Influenza Vaccination Q&A 2024

Influenza Vaccination Q&A 2024

Q1. Should I get a flu shot?

The infection rate of influenza between vaccinated and unvaccinated people is clearly lower in those who have been vaccinated. In addition, even if a person is vaccinated and does contract influenza, the vaccination prevents serious life-threatening complications (influenza encephalitis, influenza pneumonia, etc.), so we recommend that people with relatively low immunity to infection, especially those aged 6 months to preschoolers and the elderly (65 years and older), be vaccinated. Influenza vaccination is recommended.

Q2 How many times is the influenza vaccination given? Is the vaccine type and dose different for adults and children?

Inactivated vaccine (using a conventional needle for injection under the skin) For those aged 6 months to under 3 years, 0.25 ml is administered twice. (Vaccination is not available for children under 6 months)

Patients over 3 years old and under 13 years old: 2 doses of 0.5 ml.

Those over 13 years old (including adults): 1 dose of 0.5 ml.

Live vaccine (starting in 2024, nasal solution sprayed into the nasal cavity)

One vaccination for people 2 years old and over and under 19 years old.

Q3. When should I get the influenza vaccination?

- When considering preventing the occurrence of influenza during the year-end and New Year influenza epidemic season,

- For those who receive two vaccinations, the first dose should be given between 10/1 and 11/15, and the second dose between 11/1 and 12/15.

- For those who receive one vaccination, the most effective time is from 10/1 to 12/15.

In addition, it is recommended that students taking exams or those who plan to travel should be vaccinated at least 3-4 weeks before the date.

Q4. When administering two doses of inactivated influenza vaccine (using a conventional needle for injection under the skin), how long should the gap between the first and second doses be?

Vaccinations can be given at intervals of 1 to 4 weeks. However, in consideration of the immunizing effect, it is advisable to allow 3 to 4 weeks for those who are between 6 months and 13 years old, and 1 to 4 weeks for those who are 13 years old or older and wish to receive the second dose. ( Taken from the instruction sheet )

Q5. Is it possible to receive the influenza vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

If the parent/guardian wishes, simultaneous vaccination is possible in principle.

*We do not accept appointments for single or multiple vaccinations other than influenza at Saturday afternoon outpatient influenza vaccination clinics.

Q6. If I receive two doses of inactivated influenza vaccine ( using a conventional needle for injection under the skin), can I have another type of immunization between the first and second doses?

In principle, yes. Please contact the clinic for details.

Q7. I had the flu last year. Is it OK if I don't get vaccinated this year?

No. The immunity that can be acquired through the flu vaccination is not a lifelong immunity, so annual vaccination is necessary to prevent the infection of influenza.

Q8. How long is the flu vaccine effective?

[Inactivated vaccine (using a conventional needle for injection under the skin) If inactivated the vaccine is injected twice at 3-week intervals, it is said to be effective in preventing influenza for about 6 months starting 1 month after the vaccination is administered. ( taken from the instruction sheet )

[Live vaccine (starting in 2024, nasal solution sprayed into the nasal cavity)

　The prophylactic effect of the live vaccine is said to be about one year from one month after vaccination, but this is a guideline for prophylactic effect based on actual results in the U.K., not actual results in Japan.

Q9. Can pregnant women be vaccinated against influenza?

After consultation with your obstetrician/gynecologist, if the risks of not being vaccinated outweigh the risks of being vaccinated, you may be vaccinated at your own request.

Q10. If I am allergic to chicken eggs, can I still receive inactivated vaccines (hypodermic injection using a conventional needle)?

Basically, if you have a mild allergy to chicken eggs, you can be vaccinated. However, inactivated vaccines (hypodermic injections using a conventional needle) contain ingredients derived from chicken eggs, so we recommend that people who have had allergic reactions to chicken eggs consult with their family doctor in advance about whether or not they can be vaccinated.

Q11. I heard that inactivated vaccines (hypodermic injection using a conventional needle) are meaningless for babies under one year of age.

Generally, breast-fed babies have a certain degree of immunity up to around 6 months, but after that, their immunity gradually declines and they become more susceptible to viral infections (influenza, noro, rotas, RS, etc.). This is especially true for babies living in group settings such as daycare centers. Therefore, in order to prevent influenza infection and avoid the risk of complications (influenza encephalitis, encephalopathy, etc.), inactivated vaccines (using a conventional needle for injection under the skin) for babies aged 6 months to less than 1 year are considered effective.

Q12. Should adults also receive two doses of inactivated vaccine (using a conventional needle for injection under the skin)?

Depending on the lifestyle of the person receiving the vaccination, we will administer two vaccinations to those who wish to receive them.

The usual interval between vaccinations is 1 to 4 weeks, but considering the immunizing effect, it is advisable to leave 4 weeks between vaccinations. ( taken from the instruction sheet )

Reference example:

(1) Those who are raising children while working.

(2) Those who plan to go abroad.

(3) Those who are about to take an entrance examination

(4) Those who have asthma attacks when catching a cold

(5) Those who are not confident in their physical strength.

(6) Those with pre-existing medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, cancer, etc.)

Q13. What are the precautions to be taken for side effects?

Inactivated vaccine (using a conventional needle for injection under the skin)

If the injection area becomes red, swollen, burning or itchy when touched, please take first aid measures by cooling the area thoroughly with coolant or ice. If the fever rises above 38.0°C, first aid should be given by cooling the back of the neck, armpits, and groin area with coolants or ice. Other side effects such as runny nose, coughing, lethargy, and hives may also occur.

If any of these symptoms do not subside for more than 12 hours, consult a clinic.

Live vaccine (starting in 2024, nasal solution sprayed into the nasal cavity)

　Since nasal drops are sprayed into the nasal cavity, there have been reports of side effects such as runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, sore throat (discomfort), headache, loss of appetite, fatigue (lethargy), and hives. In addition, as with the inactivated vaccine (hypodermic injection using a conventional needle), fever may occur. If a fever of 38.0 degrees Celsius or higher is observed, first aid measures should be taken by keeping the back of the neck, armpits, and groin area cool with coolant and ice.

If any of the symptoms do not subside for more than 12 hours, consult a clinic.