Seasonal influenza, also known as flu, is an illness that can lead to serious complications and even death. In the Americas, it is estimated that annually 772,000 people are hospitalized due to influenza and there are between 41,000-72,000 influenza-related deaths. [1][2] Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent complications and hospitalizations. WHO prequalified influenza vaccines have been comprehensively evaluated and deemed both safe and effective.
Not “a bad cold”
Influenza can be a life-threatening illness. Pregnant women, children under the age of five, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart, and pulmonary diseases, are at higher risk for severe disease. However, even healthy children and young adults can experience severe complications. Healthcare workers are also at greater risk of infection and transmission due to their contact with patients.
Influenza vaccines are safe and effective
Concerns about vaccine safety are common, which is why obtaining reliable and evidenced-based information on vaccination is crucial.
Influenza vaccines have been used for decades and are safe and well tolerated by recipients of all ages and conditions. Occasionally, some transitory mild side effects can occur, including pain and redness at the injection site. However, these typically last just one to two days. The effectiveness of the influenza vaccine varies from year to year, generally ranging between 40-60%. This fluctuation depends on factors like age, health status, and the match between the vaccine strains and circulating viruses. Despite this variability, vaccination remains crucial. Even if a vaccinated individual contracts the flu, the vaccine significantly reduces the severity of the illness. Studies have shown that patients hospitalized with influenza who have not been vaccinated are two to five times more likely to die than those who have been previously vaccinated.
Getting your annual influenza vaccination is essential for protecting yourself and your community from the influenza virus.
If you have any other doubts about the flu vaccine, please talk to your doctor or visit our website: Influenza vaccine - PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization.
[1] Iuliano AD, Roguski KM, Chang HH, Muscatello DJ, Palekar R, Tempia S, et al. Estimates of global seasonal influenza-associated respiratory mortality: a modelling study. Lancet. 2018;391:1285-300.
[2] Palekar RS, Rolfes MA, Arriola CS, Acosta BO, Guidos PA, Vargas XB, et al. Burden of influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations in the Americas, 2010-2015. PLoS One. 2019;14:e0221479
