It is still important to get your flu vaccine
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting that it is still important to get the flu vaccine, following new research published by Public Health England (PHE) on the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine.
The research has observed that “this season’s influenza vaccine provides low protection against flu this winter. This is because the main flu virus that is circulating this season, A/H3N2, is not matched to one of the strains in the vaccine. However, the vaccine will still provide protection against other co-circulating seasonal influenza viruses, in particular influenza B, which is often seen later in the season.”
Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “It is important to note that flu levels this year in Northern Ireland have not been as high as in England, have not reached the outbreak threshold and are now starting to stabilise. However, flu can be a very serious illness for some people, particularly those in ‘at risk groups’. Every year in Northern Ireland some people become seriously ill with it, and unfortunately some even die from it.
“The flu vaccine remains one of the best ways for people in ‘at risk’ groups to help protect themselves from the virus. The flu vaccine is made up of three strains of the virus. The current vaccine is still expected to offer protection against the other two strains of the virus – both of which may yet circulate this season. For those that are unlucky enough to catch the flu, having had the vaccine will still shorten your illness and is more likely to protect you from severe illness and/or develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
“We would therefore encourage those people ‘at risk’ who haven’t been vaccinated, that even if you currently feel fit and healthy, to still get it as soon as possible. The flu virus can differ every flu season, which is why you need to get the vaccination every year. So, even if you received the vaccine in spring last year, you still need to get the vaccination for the 2014/15 flu season.”
In addition, the vaccine is now offered to preschool children aged two years and over and primary school children – this helps protect them, and because children spread the virus very easily, this also increases protection for any vulnerable people they may come into contact with. Data in Northern Ireland to date show there has been a very good uptake of flu vaccine in this age group.
Dr Johnston continued: “If you do become unwell with flu, your doctor may decide to prescribe antiviral medication for you if you are in an ‘at risk’ group as they will reduce the risk of you developing more serious complications of flu.
“Even after you have received the flu vaccine, it is still important to maintain good hygiene. This will help to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading winter viruses such as flu and norovirus. Hand washing with soap and warm water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections, as well as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing of it quickly and carefully in a bin.”
For more information about the flu vaccine for 2014/15, visit www.fluawareni.info or speak to your GP/nurse or member of staff within the school nurse team at your local Health and Social Care Trust.
ENDS