As the annual flu season approaches, getting vaccinated with the influenza vaccine is an effective way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.

Photo by Artem Podrez: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-holding-a-vial-and-a-syringe-6823417/

Why Do We Need to Get the Flu Vaccine Every Year?

Influenza virus strains constantly mutate, so the components of the flu vaccine are updated each year based on the prevailing strains to provide better protection. This is why we need to get vaccinated against the flu annually.

Which Virus Strains Are Included in the 2021/2022 Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine?

The World Health Organization recommends that the quadrivalent influenza vaccine for the 2021/2022 Northern Hemisphere winter season includes the following virus strains:

• A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus (甲型/維多利亞/2570/2019 (H1N1) pdm09病毒)
• A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020 (H3N2)-like virus (甲型/柬埔寨/e0826360/2020 (H3N2) 病毒)
• B/Washington/02/2019-like virus (B/Victoria lineage) (乙型/華盛頓/02/2019病毒 (乙型/維多利亞系))
• B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage) (乙型/布吉/3073/2013病毒 (乙型/山形世系))

What Types of Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccines Are Available?

The quadrivalent influenza vaccine (四價流感疫苗) comes in two forms: injectable and nasal spray:

• Injectable: Suitable for all individuals aged 6 months and older.
• Nasal Spray: Suitable for individuals aged 2 to 49 years.

Government “Vaccine Subsidy Scheme”

• Children aged 6 months to 11 years
• Hong Kong residents aged 50 years or older
• Pregnant women
• Recipients of disability allowances
• Individuals with intellectual disabilities

For more details on the latest “Vaccine Subsidy Scheme,” you can visit the Centre for Health Protection website.

Can the Flu Vaccine Be Administered with the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Many people wonder whether the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered together. Currently, there is no evidence of interactions between the influenza vaccine (四價流感疫苗) and the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Scientific Committee recommends a minimum interval of at least 14 days between receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. Individuals should also complete the full COVID-19 vaccination schedule according to the recommended intervals.

Risks of Simultaneous Flu and COVID-19 Infection

Unfortunately, contracting both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time may increase the risk of severe complications and death. Receiving the flu vaccine can reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and shorten hospital stays.

Conclusion

Vaccination with the influenza vaccine is a crucial measure to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Consult a doctor to learn more about the flu vaccine and get vaccinated as early as possible to build a healthy defense for yourself and your loved ones.

Updated Information ()

Please note that the flu vaccine information for 2021/2022 mentioned in this article is outdated. The World Health Organization updates its recommendations for flu vaccine strains annually. Consult a doctor or relevant authorities for the latest flu vaccine information to ensure optimal protection.