Vaccination Program

Vaccine Information

Influenza

Influenza (commonly known as “flu”) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on very suddenly and produces more severe symptoms including:

  • Fever (usually high)
  • Headaches
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle aches
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur and are more common in children
These symptoms are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms."
For more information about Influenza
For more information about Influenza Virus

Influenza Vaccine 2008-2009

Anyone over the age of 6 months can receive an inactivated influenza vaccine. This is recommended for anyone who is at risk of complications from influenza or is more likely to require medical care:

  • All children from 6 months up to 5 years of age.
  • Anyone who is 50 years of age or older.
  • Anyone 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (they could develop Reye Syndrome if they got influenza).
  • Women who are likely to be pregnant during influenza season.
  • Anyone with a long-term health problems with:
    - heart disease - kidney disease
    - lung disease - metabolic disease, such as diabetes
    - asthma - anemia, and other blood disorders

Anyone with a weakened immune system due to:

  • HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system.
  • Long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids.
  • Cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.
  • Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or severe cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.
  • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

The Influenza vaccine is also recommended for anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for influenza related complications:

  • Health care providers.
  • Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth up to 5 years of age.
  • Household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older, and those with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

A yearly influenza vaccination should be considered for:

  • People who provide essential community services.
  • People living in dormitories or under other crowded conditions, to prevent outbreaks.
  • People at high risk of influenza complications who travel to the Southern hemisphere between April and September, or to the tropics or in organized tourist groups at any time.

The Influenza vaccine is also recommended for anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or spreading influenza to others.

In Hong Kong or any northern hemisphere countries the best time to receive an influenza vaccine is between October and November. The influenza virus changes all the time and every year the vaccine is different, therefore flu vaccines are only effective for one year.

Influenza Vaccine FAQ

Q. Once I started having flu vaccine, do I need to have it every year?

A. Having a flu vaccination is like a computer having an anti-virus update. You do not have to update your antivirus but if you do not, you risk catching the virus. So, it is not a must that you have flu vaccination every year. However, if you want to maintain protection you need to have an injection every year because the flu virus changes regularly.
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