[ad_1]
The most effective way to prevent it is to get vaccinated against the flu, which, when given correctly and in a timely manner, protects against the spread of the flu virus, helps protect against serious complications of the flu, and therefore reduces absenteeism. school and any other social event, in accordance with the Ministry of Health circular on this year’s influenza vaccine and sent to all relevant agencies.
As every year and because the flu virus mutates into different subtypes, so for the period 2020-2021 the composition of the flu vaccine contains the approved strains of the virus, according to the recommendations of the World Organization for Health (WHO).
For this year, according to the National Vaccination Program, any (licensed) influenza vaccine can be prescribed, the composition of which contains the strains approved by the Hellenic Medicines Agency (EOF).
It is pointed out that, through the pharmacovigilance systems that operate at an international level, no serious systemic side effects of the influenza vaccine have been registered ”, it is pointed out in the circular.
At the same time, it is noted that during the upcoming 2020-2021 flu season, the flu virus is expected to circulate in parallel with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19). This particular situation requires the most complete implementation of influenza vaccination in the next period, giving priority to the vaccination of individuals belonging to high-risk groups.
“The objective is to reduce the chances of simultaneous infection with both viruses, which can aggravate the condition of patients, as well as reduce the burden on health services, especially Intensive Care Units, so that they can better respond to a possible increase demand ”, affirms the Ministry of Health.
Who should get the flu vaccine as a priority?
According to the National Vaccination Program of our country, influenza vaccination should be applied systematically and as a priority to people (adults and children) who belong to the following groups at higher risk:
1. People aged 60 and over
2. Children (6 months and older) and adults with one or more of the following aggravating factors or chronic diseases: Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Heart disease with severe hemodynamic disorder. Immunosuppression (inherited or acquired). Organ transplant and bone marrow transplant. Sickle cell disease (and other hemoglobinopathies) Diabetes mellitus or other chronic metabolic disease. Chronic kidney disease Chronic liver disease. Neurological-neuromuscular diseases. Down’s Syndrome
3. Pregnant women regardless of gestational age, lactating women and nursing mothers.
4. People with morbid obesity (body mass index> 40Kg / m2) and children with BMI> 95n.
5. Children taking long-term aspirin (eg, for Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).
6. People who are in close contact with children younger than 6 months or who care for or live with people with an underlying illness, increasing the risk of complications from the flu.
7. Closed populations, such as boarding staff and students (schools, military and police schools, special schools, etc.), conscripts, institutions for the chronically ill and nursing homes, detention centers.
8. Employees in health service areas (medical personnel, other employees, students of the health professions in clinical practice) and in refugee-immigrant accommodation centers.
9. Homeless people.
10. Veterinarians, poultry farmers, pig farmers, breeders, slaughterhouses and, in general, people who come into regular contact with birds or pigs.
When to do it to be effective
The flu vaccine should be given early and before the start of the usual flu onset period, as it takes about 2 weeks to achieve an immune response. Preferably, vaccination should be completed at least 4-6 weeks before the start of the annual influenza epidemic in Greece (ie mid to late November). In addition, vaccination is continued throughout seasonal influenza for people for whom vaccination is indicated and who have not been vaccinated on time.
Flu vaccination generally involves only 1 dose of the vaccine per year. Infants and children <9 years vaccinated for the first time, or those <9 ετών που στο παρελθόν είχαν λάβει μόνο 1 δόση εμβολίου γρίπης χρειάζονται 2 δόσεις αντιγριπικού εμβολίου με μεσοδιάστημα τουλάχιστον 28 ημερών. Σε βρέφη ηλικίας >= 6 months 0.5 ml (the full dose) is administered according to the instructions of the official European pharmaceutical agencies or others (FDA, Coreper, etc.).
Vaccination of healthcare professionals is essential
Healthcare workers are at increased risk of contracting infections at work and passing them on to their colleagues, patients and families. Immunization against influenza by healthcare personnel not only protects vaccinated people, as indicated in the circular, but also acts as a barrier against the transmission of influenza to people with contraindications to vaccination (for example, young infants 6 months, allergy sufferers). etc.) or with a low immune response and contributes to the smooth maintenance of health care delivery during the peak of seasonal influenza. Special mention is made of the staff of the Intensive Care Units, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Units, the Intensive Care Units, as well as the staff of the Special Infection Units, the Special Immunosuppressant Units, the Transfusion and Transplant Units , Transplant Units The Emergency Department (ICC) must be fully vaccinated.
It is recalled that the annual rate of vaccination of health services personnel in each hospital (public, private or military), primary care center and local health unit is one of the indicators of compliance of health services personnel in the implementation of microbial control measures, with which it evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the administrations of the health services units and the quality of the health services provided.
The Nosocomial Infections Committee of each Hospital or other health institution must:
1. Promote and facilitate uninterrupted vaccination against influenza for medical and other personnel.
2. Send EODY data on vaccination coverage for seasonal influenza of its employees, in total and by high-risk department (as above) ”concludes the circular of the Ministry of Health for vaccination against influenza.
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
