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Flu Vaccine
Influenza (commonly known as “flu”) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Influenza viruses are highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets or directly from the nose or throat of an infected person. The elderly and young children are generally more susceptible to infection.
Symptoms and Impacts:
It usually takes 5-10 days for flu patients to fully recover. Common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc. Those with more severe illnesses may need to be hospitalized, and the recovery period will last for several weeks, which not only affects daily life, but also increases medical expenses.
During the flu peak every year, the number of children admitted to hospital due to influenza will increase. If young children are also patients with chronic diseases (including asthma and heart disease), they are more likely to develop complications, exacerbating respiratory disorders and chronic diseases, and severe cases may lead to death. A survey revealed that in the first three days of infection in an adult, the risk of heart attack will increase by up to 10 times, and the risk of stroke will also increase by up to 8 times.
Influenza Vaccine
Influenza vaccination can reduce influenza infection by 70-90%. We provide injectable inactivated influenza vaccines and recombinant influenza vaccines. Inactivated flu vaccines contain the killed virus, along with low levels of ovalbumin. Recombinant influenza vaccines contain hemagglutinin produced using recombinant genetic technology without involving eggs or influenza viruses.
Seasonal influenza vaccination should be given to all persons 6 months or older, except those with known contraindications. High-risk individuals include persons with chronic heart, lung, metabolic or renal disease, immunodeficiency disorders patients, long-term patients, medical staff, people living or working in institutions, and pregnant women.
FAQs 1. Once I started having the influenza vaccine, do I need to have it every year? Yes. Having an annual influenza vaccination is like a computer having an anti-virus update. The immunity built up in a vaccinated person in the prior season will decrease over time and may become too low to provide protection in the following season. In the meanwhile, the seasonal influenza vaccine composition is updated every year in accordance with the circulating strains to enhance protection.
2. What are the possible side effects following influenza vaccination? Inactivated Vaccine: Some recipients may experience fever, muscle pain, and tiredness beginning 6 to 12 hours after vaccination and lasting up to 2 days. If fever or discomforts persist, please consult a doctor. Recombinant Vaccine: The most common side effects include tenderness and pain over the injection site. Recipients may also experience headaches, fatigue, muscle pain and joint pain.
3. When will protection take effect after I get vaccinated? No. It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. Hence, it is advised to get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before the winter influenza season, which usually begins in January in Hong Kong.
4. Is the seasonal influenza vaccine safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants? Yes. Women who receive the influenza vaccination while pregnant or breastfeeding can develop antibodies against influenza that can be passed to their infants through their breast milk and provide some protection against influenza for infants.
5. Can I receive COVID-19 vaccine and seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) together? COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with, or at any time before or after, seasonal influenza vaccine under informed consent. If clients/parents of children wish to space out COVID-19 vaccine with SIV, an interval of 14 days is sufficient. |
For enquiries, please contact
Tel: (852) 3160 4886
Email: neo@neohealth.com.hk
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