Flu Season Alert: Why a Yearly Vaccine is Your Best Defense Against the Unpredictable Flu
News Context
At a glance
- On September 18, the Beijing Metropolitan Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that influenza viruses mutate rapidly and change almost every year.
- Experts from the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention identified certain groups of people who may be at greater risk of complications. These include:
- In addition to the high-risk groups mentioned above, the following individuals should also get vaccinated:
Why You Should Get the Flu Vaccine Every Year
On September 18, the Beijing Metropolitan Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that influenza viruses mutate rapidly and change almost every year. As a result, the antibodies induced by different mutant strains have no cross-protective effect or are weak against different strains, and the corresponding influenza vaccine is ineffective. Therefore, it is necessary to receive the latest influenza vaccine every year to achieve preventive effects.
Who is at Greater Risk of Complications?
Experts from the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention identified certain groups of people who may be at greater risk of complications. These include:
- Infants aged 6 to 59 months
- People over 60 years old
- Patients with certain special chronic diseases, such as:
- Chronic respiratory diseases
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Liver and kidney dysfunction
- Blood diseases
- Nervous system diseases
- Neuromuscular dysfunction
- Metabolic diseases
- Immunosuppression
- Women preparing to become pregnant during the flu season
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
In addition to the high-risk groups mentioned above, the following individuals should also get vaccinated:
- Employees of nursing homes, nursing homes, and other chronic care institutions
- Family members and caregivers of infants and children under 6 months of age
- Family members and caregivers of elderly people over 60 years of age
- Family members, caregivers, and medical personnel of other high-risk groups for influenza
- Anyone who frequently comes into contact with influenza