Influenza, more commonly referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection. Its impact is so great that we produce a new flu vaccine every year to help protect people from contracting the flu. But why do we need a new flu injection every year, and why do I still get the flu even when I’m vaccinated, and why are there two flu vaccines in 2016?
Why you need a Flu Vaccination every year
The strains of flu virus can change annually which means the flu vaccine must also be updated on a yearly basis to provide the best protection. For example, when comparing the 2015 Trivalent Vaccine to the 2016 Trivalent Vaccine, the 2016 Trivalent Vaccine has a new A (H3N2) strain and a new B strain. However, in years where the flu strains have not changed, yearly vaccination is still recommended as the immunity developed from the flu vaccine is not long term immunity.
Without the receiving the flu vaccine promptly, it can take around 2 weeks to recover from the flu. However, some people, especially those at high risk, can develop longer-term health complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, chest and sinus infection, and heart, blood system or liver complications. These could in turn lead to hospitalisation and even death.
Consequently, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone from 6 months of age, particularly for those at high risk from influenza and its complications. These include people aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, pregnant women, and people with severe asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes.
[caption id="attachment_1135" align="aligncenter" width="142"]
Facts about the Flu in Australia (Infographic)[/caption]
Why you might feel like you get the Flu even when you had the Flu Vaccination
The flu vaccine cannot cause the flu as the vaccines registered in Australia do not contain live virus. However, the vaccine does take 7 to 14 days to produce protection which means that during this time, if you are exposed to the flu virus, you can still come down with the flu. This is why it is recommended that people receive the flu vaccinations well before the flu season hits.
You might also have felt like you got the flu after the flu vaccine because you experienced flu-like symptoms. This is attributed to the mechanism by which vaccines work, in that they trigger your immune response in order for your body to develop immunity for when you do become infected with the flu virus. So it is very normal to feel flu-like symptoms after your flu injection.
Why there are 2 Flu Vaccines in 2016
There are two types of flu vaccines available in 2016 in Australia, a Trivalent Vaccine and a Quadrivalent Vaccine. As the names suggest, the Trivalent Vaccine contains three strains of influenza virus whilst the Quadrivalent Vaccine contains four strains – the three in the Trivalent Vaccine plus an additional B strain.
So which vaccine should you get? This year, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will include the Quadrivalent Vaccine for people at most risk, including people aged over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are aged younger than 5 and older than 15 years, pregnant women, and people with certain medication conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you are eligible.
If not eligible, you can purchase both vaccines from the pharmacy. With the high demand for the Quadrivalent Vaccine and potential limited stock, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have stated that the Trivalent Vaccine is an acceptable alternative, particularly if the Quadrivalent Vaccine is not available.
[caption id="attachment_1136" align="aligncenter" width="742"]
Trivalent and Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine Composition[/caption]
If you have more questions about the 2016 Flu Vaccine, visit one of our Pharmacy4Less stores near you and ask one of our friendly pharmacists for more details.
You may be interested in:
Australian Government department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration
Australian Government Department of Health Immunise Australia Program