Flu vaccine warning for those in risk groups

Prof. Dr. Ümit Savaşçı, a faculty member in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences (SBU), emphasized that 1 billion people worldwide are affected by seasonal flu every year, approximately 5 million of whom experience severe illness, and pointed out that approximately 500,000 people die each year due to flu-related complications.

Savaşçı pointed out that pneumonia, one of the most important complications caused by the flu virus, can pose a serious threat especially for risk groups, and underlined that flu and pneumonia vaccines are the most effective way to protect against these diseases.

Savaşçı stated that the flu vaccine should be repeated every year, saying, "Due to the constant small changes in the structure of the virus, immunity to previous exposure to the disease or the vaccine is not permanent. It is possible to catch the disease again in the next flu season. Therefore, vaccination is necessary every year to protect against seasonal flu."

Savaşçı, noting that the flu affects individuals of all ages, noted that people over 50 and under 5 with lung or heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver failure, pregnant women, overweight people, and people with weakened immune systems due to AIDS, cancer , and various medications are more affected by the flu and its complications.

Savaşçı pointed out that flu can cause hospitalization and death, especially in people at risk, and said that these people should definitely get a flu vaccine to protect themselves from the disease.

The vaccine's protection lasts 6-8 months.

Savaşçı stated that the flu epidemic begins every year in September and October, increases in December and January, and continues its effectiveness until the period covering April and May, and that flu cases continue to be seen throughout the year.

Savaşçı stated that since the virus in question changes its structure every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) makes annual recommendations for vaccine contents based on global monitoring data.

Savaşçı stated that the vaccine content is prepared every year taking into account WHO recommendations, and noted the following:

The vaccine is effective for the flu season in which it is administered. Therefore, regardless of previous flu illness or flu vaccine administration, a flu vaccine should be administered annually to ensure effective protection against seasonal flu. People in the risk group should be vaccinated starting in September and October with up-to-date vaccines developed against viruses that can cause seasonal flu outbreaks. Those who have not been vaccinated can be vaccinated until the end of March. The vaccine's protection lasts approximately 6-8 months.

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age

Prof. Dr. Ümit Savaşçı said that the flu vaccine can be recommended to everyone over 6 months of age.

Savaşçı emphasized that people in risk groups, their close contacts, and healthcare workers are among those who should receive the flu vaccine first, and concluded his remarks as follows:

"In addition, pregnant women, children aged 6-59 months, adults over 50 years old, those with chronic diseases (chronic lung disease including asthma, diabetes, metabolic diseases, heart disease, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, neurological diseases), immunocompromised patients (congenital, due to AIDS, cancer, or medication use), those aged between 6 months and 18 years old who are on long-term aspirin therapy, those with obesity, healthcare personnel, especially those in contact with children under 6 months, household contacts of people under 5 and over 50 years old, and caregivers are also at risk and should be vaccinated."