Seasonal Flu Vaccination 2010 - FAQs

What is flu (influenza)?

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious virus that infects the respiratory tract (the ear, nose and throat). The flu virus is spread by respiratory droplets in the air produced by coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by hand to eye or hand to mouth contact.

What are the symptoms of Flu?

Flu often starts with a high fever, shivers (rigors), headaches and muscle aches. It also commonly causes respiratory symptoms such as cough and a sore throat. The symptoms are generally more severe than the common cold and most people feel quite unwell and have to spend a few days in bed. Although most people recover after about a week, sometimes it can lead to more serious secondary infections such as pneumonia which can require hospital admission.

How does the Flu Vaccine Work?

The flu vaccine contains different strains of Influenza A and Influenza B viruses. The flu virus is regularly changing and therefore a new vaccine is made every year, containing the current strains recommended by the World Health Organisation. The strains are inactivated, but enable the immune system to provide between 70-80% protection against closely matching strains and this protection lasts for about one year.

Does this vaccine contain the Swine Flu Strain (H1N1v)?

It was announced by the WHO (World Health Organisation) in February 2010 that this year’s seasonal flu vaccine should include protection against three influenza strains, including the pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) virus.

The 2010/11 vaccine is therefore expected to provide protection against both seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses.

What strains will the 2010 Seasonal Flu vaccine protect against?

It is envisaged that the following strains  be used for influenza vaccines in the 2010-2011 influenza season (northern hemisphere):

— an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus;
— an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus;*
— a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.

* A/Wisconsin/15/2009 is an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus and is a 2010 southern hemisphere vaccine virus.

Does the vaccine cause ‘flu’?

As the vaccine contains an ‘inactivated’ virus, it cannot cause flu. Some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms for up to 48 hours after the vaccine, but this is not actual flu, but merely a normal response of the immune system responding to the vaccine. However, the majority of people do not notice any effects after having the flu vaccine.

How good is the flu vaccine?

The vaccine offers 70-80% immunity against similar flu strains contained within the vaccine itself. It therefore offers good immunity against flu.

How long does it take to work?

It takes 2-3 weeks for it to work.

How long does the protection last for?

Protection can last for up to one year.

If I had the vaccine last year, will I need it again?

Yes. This is because different strains of flu circulate every year, and each vaccine is manufactured to provide immunity against the most common circulating flu virus strains of that year.

Are there any side effects after having the vaccine?

Flu vaccines are tried and tested vaccines and are very safe. The most common reaction is a slightly sore arm after the vaccination, but many people will not even have this side effect. Less commonly you may experience mild temperature and aching symptoms, which settles after a few days, but this is just the immune system reacting to the vaccination and is not considered abnormal. Side effects more serious than these are extremely uncommon and very rarely occur.

Can everyone receive the flu vaccine?

In general, most people can receive the flu vaccine.

However, those who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any component of the vaccine (including gentamicin, polymixin and neomycin) cannot receive the vaccine.

Additionally, the vaccines are prepared in hens' eggs and should not be given to individuals with known anaphylactic hypersensitivity to egg products.

If a person is ill with a fever, the immunisation should be delayed until they have recovered.

Can the influenza vaccine be given to women who are pregnant?

Yes.

The use of this vaccine may be considered from 13 weeks of pregnancy. For pregnant women with medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza, administration of the vaccine is recommended, irrespective of their stage of pregnancy.

However, for the sake of simplicity, we do not vaccinate pregnant women or women who are trying for a baby or who might be pregnant. If you are pregnant and have an underlying health condition, we suggest you contact your usual doctor to see if you are eligible for vaccination.

What about if I am breast feeding?

You can safely have the flu vaccine if you are breast feeding.