Influenza Virus (Flu) is a major cause of acute respiratory infections and poses a high mortality risk, especially among pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Annual vaccination before flu season helps reduce the spread of the virus. Medical professionals strongly recommend receiving the flu vaccine every year.

Benefits of Flu Vaccination During the COVID-19 Pandemic:

     Flu vaccination helps prevent diagnostic confusion between influenza and COVID-19, especially during outbreaks. In the elderly, flu vaccination has been shown to reduce COVID-19-related mortality. Receiving the flu vaccine before COVID-19 infection may also reduce hospitalization rates and duration.

Target Groups for Flu Vaccination:

According to the Department of Disease Control, the following 7 high-risk groups are advised to receive the flu vaccine:

• Pregnant women (from 4 months of gestation)
• Children aged 6 months to 2 years
• Individuals with chronic diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cancer under chemotherapy, diabetes)
• People aged 65 and older
• Individuals with severe disabilities who cannot care for themselves
• Patients with thalassemia, immunodeficiencies, symptomatic HIV
• Individuals with obesity (weight >100 kg or BMI >35)

Timing of Flu Vaccination:

Flu vaccination can be administered before, during, or after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Individuals who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine can receive both vaccines simultaneously.
• Those who received the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine may receive the flu vaccine without waiting and then follow their scheduled second dose.
• Those who received the first dose of the Sinovac vaccine should complete the second dose (2–4 weeks apart) but may receive the flu vaccine during this interval.
• Individuals who have completed both doses of AstraZeneca (typically spaced 10–12 weeks apart) may receive the flu vaccine at any time.

Additional Recommendations:

Everyone, particularly high-risk individuals such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions, is advised to receive the flu vaccine to build immunity and help prevent outbreaks.

Source: Department of Disease Control and NHSO, based on the resolution of the 368th Subcommittee on Immunization, Emergency Operations Center for Medical and Public Health.
 

Date: 22 November 2021