Entering winter, various respiratory diseases, including influenza, are more common. As the most economical and effective means of preventing influenza, reducing the risk of influenza related severe illness and death, vaccination is the first line of defense against influenza.
Due to the fact that the optimal timing for receiving influenza vaccine is before the arrival of the influenza epidemic season. At present, respiratory diseases such as influenza have entered a high incidence period. Some members of the public are concerned that it may not be possible to get vaccinated now?
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a health reminder for winter influenza vaccination, which clearly states that although the best time for influenza vaccination is before the arrival of the influenza epidemic season, it is possible to go to the vaccination site for vaccination throughout the entire influenza epidemic season. This not only directly protects oneself, but also indirectly protects family members who have not yet been vaccinated.
Regarding the public's concern, Wang Dayan, Director of the National Influenza Center of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Institute of Virology, also stated at a press conference held by the National Health Commission on December 2 that the current high incidence season of influenza is still effective for people who have not received influenza vaccines before. "Getting vaccinated against influenza can effectively reduce infections. Even if infected, it can also reduce the severity of the disease."
So, which groups of people can receive the flu vaccine?
The Technical Guidelines for Influenza Vaccination Prevention in China (2023-2024) recommend that all individuals aged ≥ 6 months and without contraindications should receive influenza vaccine.
In addition to "one elderly person" (elderly people aged 60 and above) and "one young person" (children aged 6-59 months), priority is also given to recommending timely vaccination for the following populations:
Medical personnel; Chronic patient group; Vulnerable populations and caregivers (such as elderly care institutions, long-term care institutions, welfare homes, etc.); Pregnant women; Family members and caregivers of infants under 6 months of age; The population in key places such as childcare institutions, primary and secondary schools, and regulatory venues.
