This is according to Dr Annamarie Richter, medical director at Netcare’s Primary Care Division.
“The flu vaccine is usually available in South Africa in early March, but delivery was delayed due to the fact that the vaccine had to be modified to better match the strains of flu which are currently doing the rounds,” she said.
Each year, flu vaccines are modified to comply with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation.
“Children over six months, the elderly, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to infection and severe flu-associated complications, so it is vital that they get their flu vaccinations now,” says Richter.
Complications from flu include pneumonia, bacterial infections, inflammation of the heart and neurological conditions.
Although there are a few misconceptions about flu vaccinations, it is impossible to get flu from the flu vaccine as it does not contain any of the live virus.
Mild side effects such as minor headaches, a slight fever or swelling and soreness at the injection site might occur.
Richter believes the flu vaccination is still the most effective way to protect the community against flu and its complications.
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