Szczepionka przeciw grypie – Zapobieganie i profilaktyka

Szczepionka przeciw grypie
Zapobieganie i profilaktyka

Szczepionka przeciw grypie pozostaje najskuteczniejszą metodą prewencji grypy i jej powikłań, zalecaną corocznie przez CDC dla osób powyżej 6. miesiąca życia, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem grup wysokiego ryzyka, takich jak osoby ≥65 lat, dzieci <5 lat, kobiety w ciąży oraz pacjenci z chorobami przewlekłymi i immunosupresją. Skuteczność szczepionki w zapobieganiu zachorowaniom wynosi 40-60% w sezonach z dobrym dopasowaniem antygenowym, a jej stosowanie redukuje hospitalizacje (np. o 59% ryzyko konieczności OIT u hospitalizowanych dorosłych) oraz zgony (o 31%). Szczepionki dostępne są w różnych formach: inaktywowane (IIV), rekombinowane (RIV4) oraz żywe atenuowane (LAIV), z preferencjami dla szczepionek o zwiększonej dawce lub z adiuwantem u osób starszych. Szczepienia są bezpieczne, a działania niepożądane są zwykle łagodne i krótkotrwałe. Zaleca się szczepienie we wrześniu lub październiku, aby zapewnić ochronę przed sezonem grypowym, a także jednoczesne podawanie szczepionek przeciw grypie i COVID-19 jest bezpieczne i efektywne.

Rola szczepionki przeciw grypie w profilaktyce

Szczepionka przeciw grypie stanowi najskuteczniejszą metodę zapobiegania grypie i jej potencjalnie poważnym powikłaniom. Coroczne szczepienie jest zalecane przez Centra Kontroli i Zapobiegania Chorobom (CDC) jako pierwsza i najważniejsza metoda zmniejszenia ryzyka zachorowania na grypę i wystąpienia poważnych następstw tej choroby¹. Szczepionki przeciw grypie przyczyniają się do zmniejszenia liczby zachorowań, hospitalizacji i zgonów związanych z grypą, co istotnie odciąża system opieki zdrowotnej każdego roku²¹.

Skuteczność szczepionki przeciw grypie w zapobieganiu zachorowaniom waha się w zależności od wielu czynników, takich jak wiek i stan zdrowia osoby szczepionej, typ podanej szczepionki, rodzaje i podtypy wirusów grypy krążących w populacji oraz stopień podobieństwa między krążącymi wirusami a tymi zawartymi w szczepionce². W ciągu sześciu sezonów grypowych od 2010-11 do 2015-16, szczepienia przeciw grypie zapobiegły szacunkowo 1,6-6,7 milionom zachorowań, 790 000-3,1 milionom wizyt ambulatoryjnych, 39 000-87 000 hospitalizacjom oraz 3 000-10 000 zgonom z przyczyn oddechowych i sercowo-naczyniowych w Stanach Zjednoczonych².

Grupa docelowa szczepienia

Komitet Doradczy ds. Praktyk Szczepiennych (ACIP) zaleca rutynowe coroczne szczepienie przeciw grypie wszystkim osobom w wieku 6 miesięcy i starszym, które nie mają przeciwwskazań²⁸. Szczepienie jest szczególnie istotne dla osób z grup podwyższonego ryzyka ciężkich powikłań grypy¹. Do tych grup należą:

Osoby w wieku 65 lat i starsze⁶⁷
Dzieci poniżej 5 roku życia, szczególnie dzieci poniżej 2 lat⁷
Kobiety w ciąży⁶⁵⁴
Osoby z przewlekłymi schorzeniami, takimi jak astma, cukrzyca, choroby serca lub nerek⁷⁵¹
Osoby z obniżoną odpornością²

Szczepienie jest również ważne dla pracowników ochrony zdrowia i osób, które mieszkają z osobami z grup wysokiego ryzyka lub opiekują się nimi, aby zapobiec przenoszeniu wirusa grypy na te osoby¹. Należy podkreślić, że dzieci poniżej 6 miesięcy życia są narażone na wysokie ryzyko poważnych powikłań grypy, ale są zbyt małe, aby otrzymać szczepionkę. Dlatego zaleca się, aby osoby opiekujące się niemowlętami były zaszczepione¹⁷.

Skuteczność szczepionki przeciw grypie

Szczepionka przeciw grypie, choć nie zawsze zapewnia całkowitą ochronę, jest wartościowa z kilku powodów. Nawet jeśli osoba zaszczepiona zachoruje na grypę, przebieg choroby jest zazwyczaj łagodniejszy¹⁵. Badania wykazują, że szczepienie przeciw grypie zmniejsza ryzyko wystąpienia grypy o 40-60% w całej populacji w sezonach, gdy większość krążących wirusów grypy jest dobrze dopasowana do szczepionki⁶.

Szczepienie zmniejsza również ryzyko hospitalizacji z powodu grypy, co jest szczególnie ważne dla osób z grup wysokiego ryzyka⁵². U dorosłych, którzy są hospitalizowani z powodu grypy, osoby zaszczepione mają o 59% mniejsze prawdopodobieństwo potrzeby opieki na oddziale intensywnej terapii (OIT)⁵². Szczepienie zmniejsza również ryzyko hospitalizacji na OIT o 26% i ryzyko zgonu o 31%, według badania z 2021 roku⁵².

W przypadku kobiet w ciąży, szczepienie zmniejsza ryzyko hospitalizacji z powodu grypy o 40% w porównaniu do kobiet w ciąży, które nie zostały zaszczepione⁵²⁴⁴. Warto zauważyć, że badanie z 2019 roku, obejmujące 20 000 kobiet w ciąży w ciągu sześciu lat w Stanach Zjednoczonych, Australii, Izraelu i Kanadzie, wykazało 40% redukcję hospitalizacji z powodu grypy⁴⁴.

Korzyści ze szczepienia przeciw grypie

Szczepienie przeciw grypie przynosi liczne korzyści zdrowotne i społeczne⁵¹. Do najważniejszych z nich należą:

Zmniejszenie ryzyka zachorowania na grypę i zmniejszenie nasilenia objawów w przypadku zachorowania³⁵³
Zmniejszenie ryzyka poważnych powikłań grypy, które mogą prowadzić do hospitalizacji lub zgonu³⁵¹
Ochrona osób z grup wysokiego ryzyka, takich jak osoby starsze, dzieci, kobiety w ciąży i osoby z chorobami przewlekłymi⁵¹
Zmniejszenie obciążenia systemu opieki zdrowotnej przez redukcję liczby zachorowań, wizyt lekarskich i hospitalizacji³⁴
Ochrona noworodków poprzez szczepienie kobiet w ciąży, co zapewnia ochronę dziecku w pierwszych miesiącach życia⁵¹⁵⁶
Zmniejszenie absencji w pracy i szkole⁴⁴

Według danych CDC, w samym sezonie 2023-2024, szczepienie przeciw grypie zapobiegło około 6 milionom zachorowań na grypę, 2,9 milionom wizyt medycznych, 65 000 hospitalizacji i 3 700 zgonów w Stanach Zjednoczonych⁵⁸.

Rodzaje szczepionek przeciw grypie

Istnieje kilka rodzajów szczepionek przeciw grypie dostępnych dla różnych grup wiekowych i o różnych właściwościach immunogennych⁴⁷. Rodzaj szczepionki powinien być dobrany odpowiednio do wieku i stanu zdrowia pacjenta⁶.

Szczepionki inaktywowane i rekombinowane

Inaktywowana szczepionka przeciw grypie (IIV) może być podawana wszystkim osobom w wieku 6 miesięcy i starszym, w tym kobietom w ciąży³³. Rekombinowana szczepionka przeciw grypie (RIV4) może być stosowana u osób w wieku od 18 do 49 lat³³.

Istnieją również szczepionki o zwiększonej dawce lub z adiuwantem, które są zalecane dla osób starszych. ACIP zaleca, aby dorośli w wieku 65 lat i starsi otrzymywali preferencyjnie jedną z następujących szczepionek przeciw grypie o zwiększonej dawce lub z adiuwantem: trójwalentną szczepionkę inaktywowaną o wysokiej dawce (HD-IIV3), trójwalentną rekombinowaną szczepionkę przeciw grypie (RIV3) lub trójwalentną szczepionkę inaktywowaną z adiuwantem (aIIV3)²⁸.

Zgodnie z zaleceniami, osoby z obniżoną odpornością powinny otrzymać IIV3 lub RIV3². ACIP zaleca, aby żywa atenuowana szczepionka przeciw grypie (LAIV3) nie była stosowana u osób z obniżoną odpornością ze względu na niepewne, ale biologicznie prawdopodobne ryzyko choroby wywołanej przez żywy wirus szczepionkowy².

Żywa atenuowana szczepionka przeciw grypie

Żywa atenuowana szczepionka przeciw grypie (LAIV) może być podawana zdrowym osobom w wieku od 2 do 49 lat, które nie są w ciąży i nie mają stanów obniżonej odporności³³. Szczepionka ta jest podawana w postaci sprayu donosowego, a nie zastrzyku⁴¹.

LAIV zawiera osłabione, ale żywe wirusy grypy i wykazano, że wywołuje silniejszą odpowiedź immunologiczną błony śluzowej i komórkową⁴. Jednak ze względu na zawartość żywego wirusa, LAIV nie powinna być podawana osobom z obniżoną odpornością⁴⁵.

Warto podkreślić, że żywa szczepionka przeciw grypie (LAIV) nie powinna być podawana pacjentom z niedoborami odporności. Dotyczy to szczepionki FluMist, która jest podawana w postaci sprayu do nosa, a nie zastrzyku⁴⁵.

Skład szczepionek na dany sezon

Szczepionki przeciw grypie są aktualizowane każdego roku, aby chronić przed szczepami wirusa grypy, które według przewidywań będą najczęściej występować w nadchodzącym sezonie grypowym⁷⁴³. Szczepy do szczepionki na nadchodzący sezon grypowy są wybierane co roku przez Komitet Doradczy ds. Produktów Biologicznych i Szczepionek Amerykańskiej Agencji ds. Żywności i Leków (FDA) na podstawie zalecenia Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia (WHO) dotyczącego składu szczepionki przeciw grypie dla półkuli północnej⁵⁹.

Szczepionki na sezon 2024-2025 są trójwalentne, co oznacza, że zawierają ochronę przed trzema różnymi typami wirusa grypy⁵⁷. Natomiast szczepionki stosowane w UCLA Health na sezon 2024-2025 są trójwalentne, co oznacza, że obejmują trzy najbardziej prawdopodobne szczepy wirusa grypy oczekiwane w tym sezonie (dwa szczepy A i jeden szczep B). Wszystkie dostępne szczepionki są wolne od konserwantów i nie zawierają glutenu ani lateksu. Preparaty stosowane w UCLA Health są wolne od tiomersalu⁶².

Zalecenia dotyczące szczepień przeciw grypie

Czas szczepienia

CDC zaleca, aby większość ludzi zaszczepiła się przeciw grypie we wrześniu lub październiku⁴¹. Najlepiej jest zaszczepić się przed końcem października, ponieważ przypadki grypy zwykle zaczynają wzrastać w listopadzie, grudniu i styczniu⁵⁷. Ważne jest, aby zapewnić sobie ochronę przed okresem zwiększonej cyrkulacji wirusa grypy⁵⁷.

Amerykańskie Kolegium Położników i Ginekologów (ACOG) zaleca, aby wszystkie osoby, które są lub będą w ciąży w sezonie grypowym, otrzymały szczepionkę przeciw grypie najlepiej do końca października, ale szczepienie w dowolnym momencie sezonu grypowego jest zalecane, aby zapewnić ochronę w okresie cyrkulacji wirusa⁴⁶.

Należy pamiętać, że szczepionka przeciw grypie potrzebuje około dwóch tygodni, aby w pełni zadziałać, a ochrona utrzymuje się przez co najmniej sześć miesięcy⁵². Ze względu na to, że wirus grypy stale się zmienia, a szczepionka jest corocznie dostosowywana do krążących szczepów, osoby powinny otrzymywać szczepionkę przeciw grypie co roku⁵².

Bezpieczeństwo szczepionek przeciw grypie

Szczepionki przeciw grypie są bardzo bezpieczne⁴¹. Szczepionki przeciw grypie są wytwarzane przy użyciu zabitych wirusów grypy (dla szczepionek inaktywowanych) lub bez wirusa grypy (dla szczepionek rekombinowanych). Nie można zachorować na grypę po podaniu szczepionki przeciw grypie⁴¹.

Ryzyko wystąpienia działań niepożądanych po szczepieniu przeciw grypie jest znacznie mniejsze niż powikłania związane z samą grypą, a działania niepożądane są zwykle lokalne i łagodne⁴⁶. Jeśli u osoby wystąpią jakiekolwiek skutki uboczne po szczepionce przeciw grypie, są one zwykle bardzo łagodne i mogą składać się z jednego lub więcej z następujących objawów: ból, zaczerwienienie, obrzęk ramienia; ból głowy; bóle mięśni; zmęczenie; gorączka oraz nudności. Te skutki uboczne są krótkotrwałe i mijają same w ciągu kilku dni, a poważne skutki uboczne szczepionki są bardzo rzadkie³⁴.

Warto podkreślić, że szczepionka przeciw grypie nie może wywołać grypy, ponieważ zawiera inaktywowane (zabite) wirusy grypy, które nie mogą wywoływać choroby⁴². W przypadku szczepionki w sprayu donosowym, choć zawiera ona żywe wirusy, są one osłabione (atenuowane), więc również nie wywołują choroby u zdrowych osób⁵⁸.

Szczepienie przeciw grypie a inne szczepienia

Szczepienie przeciw grypie może być podawane w tym samym czasie co inne zalecane szczepienia, takie jak szczepionka przeciw COVID-19 i RSV⁵¹. Jest to bezpieczne, skuteczne i wygodne, aby otrzymać te szczepionki w tym samym czasie⁵¹.

CDC potwierdza, że można otrzymać szczepionkę przeciw grypie i szczepionkę przeciw COVID-19 w tym samym czasie, jeśli kwalifikujesz się i czas dla każdej szczepionki jest odpowiedni⁶. Jednoczesne podanie szczepionki przeciw grypie i szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 jest zalecane, jeśli kwalifikujesz się i terminy się pokrywają⁵⁸.

Szczepionka przeciw grypie może być podawana jednocześnie (tzn. tego samego dnia, jedna po drugiej) z innymi zalecanymi szczepionkami⁵⁶. Jednak warto pamiętać, że szczepionki przeciw grypie nie są przeznaczone do zapobiegania zakażeniu COVID-19, a szczepionki przeciw COVID-19 nie są przeznaczone do zapobiegania zakażeniu grypą. Obie szczepionki muszą być podane, aby pomóc zapewnić ochronę przed tymi potencjalnie poważnymi infekcjami układu oddechowego⁵³.

Profilaktyka farmakologiczna grypy

Oprócz szczepień przeciw grypie, które są najważniejszą metodą zapobiegania grypie, w niektórych przypadkach stosuje się również profilaktykę farmakologiczną przy użyciu leków przeciwwirusowych¹⁴.

Zastosowanie leków przeciwwirusowych w profilaktyce

Profilaktyczne zastosowanie leków przeciwwirusowych jest opcją, która może być rozważana w zapobieganiu grypie u osób, które nie mogą otrzymać szczepionki, szczególnie tych, które są narażone na wyższe ryzyko powikłań medycznych wynikających z ciężkiej grypy². Leki przeciwwirusowe mogą być użytecznym narzędziem wspomagającym dla pacjentów z wysokim ryzykiem powikłań grypy, dla których szczepionka przeciw grypie jest przeciwwskazana, niedostępna lub oczekuje się niskiej skuteczności (np. z powodu immunosupresji lub niedopasowania między antygenami szczepionki a krążącymi szczepami wirusa); jednak nie powinny być używane jako zamiennik szczepienia¹⁴.

Leki przeciwwirusowe mogą być przepisane przez lekarza w przypadku zachorowania na grypę⁷. Mogą one także pomóc w zapobieganiu poważnym powikłaniom grypy, takim jak zapalenie płuc⁷. Leki przeciwwirusowe działają najlepiej, gdy są rozpoczęte w ciągu dwóch dni od zachorowania⁷.

Wskazania do profilaktyki przeciwwirusowej

Według CDC, leki przeciwwirusowe nie powinny być stosowane do rutynowej lub powszechnej chemoprofilaktyki poza ogniskami instytucjonalnymi; chemoprofilaktyka przeciwwirusowa może być rozważana w następujących okolicznościach⁵⁹:

Przez czas trwania sezonu grypowego u dorosłych i dzieci w wieku 3 miesięcy lub starszych, którzy są narażeni na bardzo wysokie ryzyko powikłań i dla których szczepienie przeciw grypie jest przeciwwskazane, niedostępne lub oczekuje się, że będzie miało niską skuteczność⁵⁹
Przez czas trwania sezonu grypowego u dorosłych i dzieci w wieku 3 miesięcy lub starszych, którzy są narażeni na najwyższe ryzyko powikłań związanych z grypą (np. biorcy przeszczepu krwiotwórczych komórek macierzystych)⁵⁹
Krótkoterminowa profilaktyka oprócz szybkiego szczepienia przeciw grypie u nieszczepionych osób z wysokim ryzykiem, jak opisano wcześniej, lub które mają kontakt z osobami wysokiego ryzyka⁵⁹

Ze względu na wysoki potencjał zachorowalności i śmiertelności związanej z zakażeniem grypą u kobiet w ciąży i do 2 tygodni po porodzie, poekspozycyjna chemoprofilaktyka przeciwwirusowa grypy może być rozważana dla kobiet w ciąży i do 2 tygodni po porodzie (co obejmuje też utratę ciąży), które miały bliski kontakt z osobami prawdopodobnie zakażonymi grypą⁴⁶.

Profilaktyka przeciwwirusowa u osób z niedoborami odporności

Osoby z niedoborami odporności są szczególnie narażone na ciężki przebieg grypy i jej powikłania. Dlatego oprócz szczepienia przeciw grypie, które jest kluczowe, warto stosować dodatkowe środki profilaktyczne⁴⁵.

Ważne jest podkreślenie, że wszyscy pacjenci z niedoborami odporności oraz wszyscy członkowie ich rodzin lub inne osoby z ich gospodarstwa domowego powinni otrzymać zabite szczepionki przeciw grypie⁴⁵. Dodatkowo, zapewnienie, że członkowie rodziny i inne osoby z gospodarstwa domowego otrzymają szczepionkę, zmniejsza ich ryzyko zachorowania na grypę i przeniesienia jej na pacjenta z niedoborem odporności⁴⁵.

Oprócz upewnienia się, że pacjent z niedoborem odporności i członkowie jego gospodarstwa domowego otrzymają szczepienia z zabitym wirusem grypy, powinny być praktykowane środki zapobiegawcze, takie jak mycie rąk⁴⁵.

Nowe kierunki w profilaktyce grypy

Uniwersalne szczepionki przeciw grypie

Departament Zdrowia i Opieki Społecznej USA (HHS) oraz Narodowe Instytuty Zdrowia (NIH) ogłosiły rozwój platformy uniwersalnych szczepionek nowej generacji, nazwanej „Generation Gold Standard”, wykorzystującej platformę opartą na całych wirusach inaktywowanych beta-propiolaktonem (BPL)⁵⁵. Szczepionki te mają na celu zapewnienie szerokiego spektrum ochrony przed wieloma szczepami wirusów o potencjale pandemicznym, takimi jak ptasia grypa H5N1 i koronawirusy, w tym SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 i MERS-CoV⁵⁵.

W przeciwieństwie do tradycyjnych szczepionek, które są ukierunkowane na konkretne szczepy, szczepionki inaktywowane całym wirusem BPL zachowują integralność strukturalną wirusa, jednocześnie eliminując zakaźność. To podejście indukuje silne odpowiedzi immunologiczne komórek B i T i oferuje długotrwałą ochronę przed różnymi rodzinami wirusów⁵⁵.

Donosowa formulacja szczepionki BPL-1357 jest obecnie w fazie Ib i II/III badań klinicznych i ma na celu blokowanie transmisji wirusa – innowacja nieobecna w obecnych szczepionkach przeciw grypie i COVID-19⁵⁵. Platforma BPL może być również dostosowana do przyszłego użycia przeciwko wirusowi syncytialnego zapalenia dróg oddechowych (RSV), metapneumowirusowi i parainfluenzie⁵⁵.

Badania kliniczne uniwersalnych szczepionek przeciw grypie mają rozpocząć się w 2026 roku, a zatwierdzenie przez FDA planowane jest na 2029 rok⁵⁵. Donosowa szczepionka przeciw grypie BPL-1357, obecnie w zaawansowanych badaniach, również jest na dobrej drodze do przeglądu FDA do 2029 roku⁵⁵.

Nowe metodologie szczepionek

Oprócz tradycyjnych szczepionek inaktywowanych, rozwijane są również nowe metodologie szczepionek wykorzystujące konserwowane komponenty wirusa grypy lub wirusowe DNA⁴. Te innowacyjne podejścia mogą potencjalnie zapewnić szerszą i bardziej długotrwałą ochronę przed grypą.

Inicjatywa „Generation Gold Standard” jest częścią szerszego ruchu w kierunku odejścia od sezonowych, specyficznych dla szczepu szczepionek i w kierunku szerszej, bardziej trwałej ochrony przed grypą z potencjalnymi możliwościami reakcji na pandemię⁶⁴.

Uniwersalna szczepionka może odgrywać wiele ról w gotowości na pandemię. Może być przechowywana w zapasie do rozmieszczenia po zidentyfikowaniu szczepu pandemicznego, zapewniając co najmniej podstawowy poziom ochrony podczas opracowywania szczepionki specyficznej dla szczepu. Może również zastąpić szczepionkę sezonową, aby wygenerować ochronę przed pandemią i potencjalnie zapobiec wystąpieniu pandemii⁶⁴.

Znaczenie badań nad nowymi szczepieniami

Dalsze postępy w dziedzinie szczepień i terapii przeciwwirusowej grypy powinny pozostać wysokim priorytetem⁴. Nieprzerwane badania nad nowymi i ulepszonymi metodami zapobiegania i leczenia grypy są kluczowe dla skutecznego zarządzania tą chorobą i zapobiegania przyszłym pandemiom.

Zwiększenie liczby szczepień przeciw grypie zarówno wśród dorosłych, jak i dzieci mogłoby pomóc zmniejszyć ryzyko cięższego sezonu grypowego⁶⁶. Ostatnie badanie wykazało, że szczepionka przeciw grypie na sezon 2023-24 zmniejszyła ogólne ryzyko szukania pomocy medycznej z powodu grypy o 41%⁵⁷. Szczepionka była szczególnie skuteczna u małych dzieci i osób starszych⁵⁷.

Jednym z ważnych odkryć badania jest to, że skuteczność szczepionki przeciwko wirusowi grypy H1N1 była silniejsza dla niektórych wersji wirusa niż dla innych, co wskazuje na znaczenie ciągłego monitorowania wirusa, aby zrozumieć, jak wirusy grypy zmieniają się w czasie⁵⁷. Badanie podkreśla również znaczenie światowej współpracy w monitorowaniu mutacji wirusa grypy i dzielenia się danymi w celu poprawy skuteczności szczepionek na całym świecie⁵⁷.

Szczepienie przeciw grypie w kontekście zdrowia publicznego

Szczepienie jako narzędzie zdrowia publicznego

Szczepienie przeciw grypie jest kluczowym narzędziem zdrowia publicznego⁵⁰. Komitet Doradczy ds. Praktyk Szczepiennych (ACIP) i Amerykańska Akademia Pediatrii (AAP) zalecają rutynowe coroczne szczepienie przeciw grypie wszystkim osobom w wieku 6 miesięcy lub starszym, najlepiej przed rozpoczęciem aktywności grypowej w społeczności⁵⁹.

Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia (WHO) zaleca, aby kraje szczepiły osoby z wysokim ryzykiem ciężkiej choroby grypowej co roku szczepionkami przeciw grypie⁶³. Celem zaleceń WHO dotyczących grypy jest ochrona wrażliwych grup wysokiego ryzyka przed ciężką chorobą⁶³.

Istnieje duży zbiór dowodów obserwacyjnych i badań klinicznych, które pokazują, że szczepionka przeciw grypie chroni przed zawałem mięśnia sercowego (AMI). Szacunki skuteczności szczepionki przeciw grypie w zapobieganiu AMI wahają się od 15% do 45%⁵⁰. Metaanaliza badań kliniczno-kontrolnych wykazała, że szczepionka przeciw grypie ma sumaryczną skuteczność 29% przeciwko AMI⁵⁰.

Szczepienie przeciw grypie w grupach wysokiego ryzyka

Osoby z chorobami serca i te, które przeszły udar, są narażone na wyższe ryzyko rozwinięcia poważnych powikłań grypy⁵. Otrzymanie szczepionki przeciw grypie co roku zmniejsza szanse zachorowania na grypę – i istnieje mniejsze prawdopodobieństwo hospitalizacji lub śmierci z jej powodu, szczególnie jeśli masz chorobę serca lub przeszedłeś udar⁵.

Szczepionka o wysokiej dawce zapewnia dodatkową ochronę⁵. W celu uwzględnienia problemu niższej skuteczności u osób starszych, w sezonie 2018-19 wprowadzono inaktywowaną szczepionkę zawierającą adiuwant. Jest to substancja, która wzmacnia i wydłuża odpowiedź immunologiczną. Przyczyniło się to do lepszego zapobiegania grypie u osób w wieku 65 lat lub starszych w sezonach grypowych od 2018-19⁴⁴.

Pomimo dużej liczby dowodów potwierdzających rolę szczepionki przeciw grypie w profilaktyce wieńcowej, wskaźniki szczepień przeciw grypie u pacjentów z chorobami serca są niskie, a szczepienie nie jest priorytetem wśród lekarzy⁵⁰. Jednak istnieją już przekonujące dowody, że szczepionka przeciw grypie powinna być traktowana jako integralna część zarządzania i zapobiegania chorobie wieńcowej serca (CHD)⁵⁰.

Rola edukacji w profilaktyce grypy

Edukacja pacjentów na temat korzyści z corocznego szczepienia przeciw grypie jest kluczowa dla zwiększenia wskaźników szczepień³⁴. Ważne jest, aby edukować pacjentów, że coroczna szczepionka przeciw grypie i dobre nawyki zdrowotne są najskuteczniejszymi sposobami zapobiegania grypie³⁴.

CDC szacuje, że w latach 2010-2020 corocznie z powodu grypy zmarło od 12 000 do 52 000 osób, a szczepionka przeciw grypie zapobiegła ponad 6 300 zgonom związanym z grypą w sezonie grypowym 2019-2020³⁴. Szczepionka przeciw grypie zapobiega milionom zachorowań każdego roku i potrzebie wielu wizyt lekarskich związanych z grypą. Szacuje się, że otrzymanie szczepionki przeciw grypie zmniejsza prawdopodobieństwo konieczności wizyty u lekarza w celu leczenia o 40-60% i zapobiegło co najmniej 7,5 milionom zachorowań na grypę w latach 2019-2020. Szczepionka zapobiega również ponad 100 000 hospitalizacji każdego roku³⁴.

Silna rekomendacja szczepionki przeciw grypie jest jednym z najważniejszych czynników, które wpływają na akceptację szczepionki przez pacjentów⁶¹. Szczepionki przeciw grypie są sprawdzone w zapobieganiu milionom zachorowań i wykazano, że zmniejszają ryzyko konieczności wizyty u lekarza o 40% do 60%⁶¹. Nawet gdy szczepionka przeciw grypie nie jest dokładnie dopasowana do wirusów, nadal może zapewnić ochronę⁶¹.

Warto podkreślić, że szczepienie przeciw grypie to nie tylko ochrona osobista, ale także ochrona społeczności. Szczepionka przeciw grypie jest najbardziej skuteczna dla nas wszystkich, gdy więcej osób ją otrzymuje, co pozwala nam zbliżyć się do osiągnięcia, przynajmniej na czas sezonu grypowego, odporności stadnej⁵⁸.

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Materiały źródłowe

#1 Preventing Seasonal Flu | Influenza (Flu) | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html
The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu vaccine every year. […] CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important action in reducing your risk of flu and its potentially serious outcomes. […] Flu vaccines help to reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths on the health care system each year. […] Flu vaccination also has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick. […] Vaccination of people at higher risk of developing serious flu complications is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness. […] Vaccination also is important for health care workers and other people who live with or care for people at higher risk of serious flu illness to keep from spreading flu to them. […] Children younger than 6 months are at higher risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for infants should be vaccinated instead.
#2 Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices â United States, 2024â25 Influenza Season | MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/rr/rr7305a1.htm
Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months who do not have contraindications. […] Vaccination provides important protection from influenza illness and its potential complications. […] The effectiveness of influenza vaccination varies depending on multiple factors such as the age and health of the recipient, the type of vaccine administered, the types and subtypes of influenza viruses circulating in the community, and the degree of similarity between circulating viruses and those included in the vaccine. […] During each of the six influenza seasons from 2010-11 through 2015-16, influenza vaccination prevented an estimated 1.6-6.7 million illnesses, 790,000-3.1 million outpatient medical visits, 39,000-87,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000-10,000 respiratory and circulatory deaths each season in the United States.
#2 Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices â United States, 2024â25 Influenza Season | MMWR
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/rr/rr7305a1.htm
This report focuses on recommendations for the use of vaccines for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza during the 2024-25 influenza season in the United States. […] ACIP recommends that adults aged 65 years preferentially receive any one of the following higher dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines: high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (HD-IIV3), recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV3), or adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine (aIIV3). […] ACIP recommends that persons with compromised immunity should receive IIV3 or RIV3. […] ACIP recommends that LAIV3 not be used for immunocompromised persons because of the uncertain but biologically plausible risk for disease attributable to the live vaccine virus. […] Prophylactic use of antiviral agents is an option that can be considered for preventing influenza among persons who cannot receive vaccine, particularly for those who are at higher risk for medical complications attributable to severe influenza.
#3 Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000
Getting a flu shot will often protect you from a serious case of the flu. And although the flu shot doesn’t always provide total protection, it’s worth getting. […] Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu and its complications for almost everyone. The flu vaccine can lower the risk of getting the flu. It also can lower the risk of having serious illness from the flu and needing to stay in the hospital or dying of the flu. […] Getting a yearly flu vaccine lowers the chances of having serious complications or dying of the flu. This is especially true for people who are at high risk of flu complications. […] For almost everyone, a flu vaccine can lower the risk of the flu and its complications.
#4 Prophylaxis and treatment of influenza virus infection – PubMed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11437694/
Influenza virus infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality. […] There are now effective ways to both prevent and treat influenza. Prevention of infection is most effectively accomplished by vaccination. Vaccination with the inactivated, intramuscular influenza vaccine has been clearly demonstrated to reduce serious morbidity and mortality associated with influenza infection, especially in groups of patients at high risk (e.g. the elderly). […] Live, attenuated influenza vaccines administered intranasally have been studied in clinical trials and shown to elicit stronger mucosal and cell-mediated immune responses. […] Additionally, novel vaccine methodologies employing conserved components of influenza virus or viral DNA are being developed. […] Further advances in vaccination and antiviral therapy of influenza should remain a high priority.
#5 Flu Prevention | American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/flu-prevention
People with heart disease and those who have had a stroke are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. Choose family over flu to prevent serious illness. […] The facts are simple: Getting a flu shot every year decreases your chances of getting the flu â and youâre less likely to be hospitalized or die from it, especially if you have heart disease or have had a stroke. […] Itâs incredibly important to get a flu vaccine every year, which decreases your risk of serious illness or hospitalization. […] A high-dose vaccine provides extra protection. […] Bottom line: Getting a flu shot will help protect your health and the people you care about. […] Even if you get the flu vaccine, you can still get the flu, but it wonât be as severe. […] Antiviral drugs arenât a substitute for the flu vaccine. […] Avoiding the flu is easier than you think, with these simple tips.
#6 Flu prevention and vaccine information | Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flu-prevention-and-vaccine-information
Flu prevention and vaccine information is offered by Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences […] What you need to know this flu season to stay healthy and prevent the spread of influenza. […] CDC recommends you „Take Action to Prevent Flu”: Take time to get a flu vaccine for yourself and your family. […] Everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated for flu. It is especially important that the people in one of the groups listed below get a flu shot every year as they are more likely to get severely ill with flu. […] People 65 years of age or older are recommended to receive the following three preferential flu vaccines: Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine, Recombinant Influenza Vaccine, and Adjuvanted Influenza vaccine. […] It is especially important to get the flu vaccine during this upcoming respiratory season when we anticipate COVID-19 and RSV will circulate as well.
#6 Flu prevention and vaccine information | Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flu-prevention-and-vaccine-information
For persons aged â¥6 months, receiving a seasonal influenza vaccine each year remains the best way to protect against seasonal influenza and its potentially severe consequences. […] Flu vaccination reduces the prevalence and severity of illness caused by flu, reducing symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19. […] Yes, a flu vaccine offers the best defense against getting the flu and spreading it to others. […] Flu vaccination has been found to reduce deaths in children. […] Find out where you can get a flu vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov/flu, or asking your health care provider, or going to a local pharmacy. […] Although the flu vaccine wonât prevent every case of the flu, getting an annual vaccination is the best way to reduce your risk of serious illness. […] While vaccine effectiveness can vary, studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine.
#6 Flu prevention and vaccine information | Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flu-prevention-and-vaccine-information
Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people. […] Yes, you can get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time if you are eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right. […] Remember, protect yourself, your loved ones, as well as all those around you by getting a flu vaccine!
#7 Flu Prevention | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/influenza/prevention.htm
Although it is especially important that people in these groups get vaccinated to decrease their risk of severe flu illness, it is very important that healthy people ages 5 to 64 years old get vaccinated too, since they are most likely to spread influenza and can still get complications from flu. […] It is important that people who live with or care for infants, as well as anyone who is at a higher risk of flu complications, get the flu vaccine every year to prevent spreading the flu to them. […] Antiviral drugs may be prescribed by your doctor if you have the flu. […] They may also help to prevent serious flu complications, such as pneumonia. […] Antivirals work best when they are started within two days of getting sick.
#7 Prevent the Flu – Epidemiology
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/influenza-prevention-protect-yourself-and-others-from-getting-the-flu/
The best way to protect you and your loved ones from the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. […] Vaccination can reduce your chance of getting the flu and spreading it to others. […] If you do get the flu, it can reduce the severity of your illness and prevent hospitalization. […] When more people get vaccinated, less flu illness can spread through the community. […] Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with few exceptions. […] Vaccination is important for people at increased risk of serious complications from the flu. […] It is important to get a flu vaccine every year. […] Peoples protection from vaccination declines over time, so yearly flu vaccine increases your protection. […] Also, flu viruses change often, so vaccines are updated each year to protect you from the flu virus that is expected to be the most common during that flu season.
#8 Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices – United States, 2024-25 Influenza Season – PubMed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39197095/
This report updates the 2023-24 recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) concerning the use of seasonal influenza vaccines in the United States. Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months who do not have contraindications. […] ACIP recommends that adults aged 65 years preferentially receive any one of the following higher dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines: trivalent high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (HD-IIV3), trivalent recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV3), or trivalent adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine (aIIV3). […] This report focuses on recommendations for the use of vaccines for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza during the 2024-25 influenza season in the United States.
#14 Seasonal influenza in adults: Role of antiviral prophylaxis for prevention – UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/seasonal-influenza-in-adults-role-of-antiviral-prophylaxis-for-prevention
Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Vaccination is the most important intervention for prevention of influenza. Antiviral drugs may be useful adjunctive tools for patients at high risk of influenza complications for whom influenza vaccine is contraindicated, unavailable, or expected to have low effectiveness (eg, due to immunosuppression or mismatch between vaccine antigens and circulating virus strains); however, they should not be used as a substitute for vaccination. […] The role of antiviral drugs for prevention of seasonal influenza will be reviewed here. […] Issues related to antiviral drugs for prevention of seasonal influenza in hematopoietic cell transplant and lung transplant recipients are discussed separately.
#33 Influenza Vaccine – Infectious Diseases – Merck Manual Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/immunization/influenza-vaccine
Annual vaccination against influenza with an age-appropriate formulation of influenza virus vaccine is recommended for all people 6 months of age who do not have a contraindication. […] Inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) can be given to all people 6 months, including pregnant women. […] Recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4) can be used in people aged 18 to 49 years. […] Live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) can be given to healthy people aged 2 to 49 years who are not pregnant and who do not have immunocompromising conditions. […] Adults 65 years should be given any one of the quadrivalent high-dose IIV, quadrivalent recombinant influenza vaccine, or quadrivalent adjuvanted IIV. […] Health care workers who care for immunocompromised people should be given IIV or RIV4 rather than LAIV. […] The influenza vaccine is given yearly.
#34 Flu Patient Education – American Osteopathic AssociationSearchSearch
https://osteopathic.org/practicing-medicine/flu-prevention-toolkit/flu-patient-education/
Learn strategies for addressing vaccine hesitation and ensuring your patients are armed with the knowledge they need to stay healthy. […] It is important to educate patients that a yearly influenza vaccine and good health habits are the most effective ways to prevent flu. Discussing the flu prevention measures below recommended by the CDC can reduce the likelihood of getting and spreading influenza. […] Obtain a yearly influenza vaccine. […] The CDC estimates that there have been 12,000 â 52,000 deaths from the flu annually between 2010 and 2020 and that the flu vaccination prevented over 6,300 influenza-associated deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season. […] The flu vaccine prevents millions of individuals from becoming ill each year and the need for many flu-related doctorâs visits. It is estimated that having a flu vaccine reduces the likelihood of having to go to the doctor for treatment by 40-60 percent and prevented at least 7.5 million influenza illnesses in 2019-2020. The vaccine also prevents over 100,000 hospitalizations each year.
#34 Flu Patient Education – American Osteopathic AssociationSearchSearch
https://osteopathic.org/practicing-medicine/flu-prevention-toolkit/flu-patient-education/
If an individual feels any side effects from the flu vaccine, they usual are very mild and may consist of one of more of the following: soreness, redness, swelling in the arm; headache; muscle aches; fatigue; fever; and nausea. These side effects are short-lived and go away on their own within a few days and it is very rare to have severe side effects from the vaccine.
#41 Seasonal Flu – NYC Health
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/flu-seasonal.page
The flu vaccine is usually given by an injection (shot), but there is also a nasal spray flu vaccine. […] The flu vaccines are very safe. […] Flu vaccines are made using killed flu viruses (for inactivated vaccines), or without flu virus at all (for recombinant vaccines). You cannot get the flu from a flu vaccine. […] In addition to getting vaccinated, follow these tips to help avoid getting and spreading flu: Wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor spaces and crowded places, and when you are sick and unable to separate from others. […] If you feel sick, or test positive for flu, stay home until, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are improving and you have not had a fever without using fever-reducing medicines.
#41 Seasonal Flu – NYC Health
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/flu-seasonal.page
Annual vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu. […] Flu vaccines are safe and the best way to protect yourself against getting sick. Getting a flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu and reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death if you do get it. […] The CDC recommends that most people get the flu vaccine in September or October. […] Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, even if they have received a flu vaccine or had the flu in prior seasons. […] It is especially important to get vaccinated if: You are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death from the flu. […] Flu vaccines are widely available at doctors offices, pharmacies, community health clinics and through employer-sponsored programs.
#42 Frequently Asked Questions – Vaccine | Comprehensive Influenza Protection Program | ECU
https://flu-prevention.ecu.edu/faq-vaccine/
Yes! Since the vaccine is only good for one flu season, its important to get vaccinated annually. Even if the viruses dont change from year-to-year, the bodys immunity to influenza viruses declines over time. […] NO! You cannot get influenza from the flu shot. The shot contains inactivated (killed) influenza viruses that cannot cause illness. […] Influenza vaccines (the flu shot) cause antibodies to develop in the body. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. […] Yes! The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on two things: 1) the age and health status of the person being vaccinated, and 2) the similarity (match) between the virus strains in the vaccine and those circulating in the community. If the match is good, vaccine effectiveness is higher, but if the match isnt close, the effectiveness can be reduced. Its important to remember, though, that even if there isnt a close match, the vaccine can still protect many people and prevent flu-related complications because antibodies made in response to the vaccine can provide some protection (cross-protection) against different, but related strains of influenza viruses.
#43 Itâs a Good Time to Get Your Flu Vaccine | FDA
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/its-good-time-get-your-flu-vaccine
The flu vaccine will trigger your immune system to produce antibodies to protect against influenza disease it will not make you sick with the flu. […] There are several reasons a new flu vaccine must be made each year. Flu viruses can change from year to year, so the vaccine is updated to protect against the influenza virus strains that are expected to circulate in the U.S. […] The best way to protect babies who are too young to be vaccinated is to make sure the people around them are vaccinated. […] The closer the match between the vaccine virus strains and the circulating virus strains causing disease during flu season, the better the protection that the flu vaccine provides. […] A rigorous evaluation of laboratory and clinical trial data was conducted by FDA scientists and physicians to determine the safety and effectiveness of the influenza vaccines for initial approval.
#44 Flu vaccine | Vaccine Knowledge Project
https://vaccineknowledge.ox.ac.uk/flu-vaccine
A 2019 study with 20,000 pregnant women over six years in the United States, Australia, Israel, and Canada, showed that the flu vaccine provided a 40% reduction in hospitalisations from flu. […] Having a flu vaccine every year is important because the flu virus is variable and changes over time. Each year there are different strains, and a new vaccine must be prepared to deal with them. Vaccination from previous years is not likely to protect people against current strains of flu. […] The flu vaccine works better in some years than others. Across all age groups including children, the flu vaccine prevented between 15 to 52% of flu cases between 2015 – 2020. […] To address this problem of lower effectiveness in older people, an inactivated vaccine containing an adjuvant was introduced for the 2018-19 season. This is a substance that strengthens and lengthens the immune response. It has resulted in better prevention of flu in people aged 65 or over in flu seasons since 2018-19.
#44 Flu vaccine | Vaccine Knowledge Project
https://vaccineknowledge.ox.ac.uk/flu-vaccine
Seasonal influenza is a very common and highly infectious virus. It can be much more severe than the common cold and may result in two or three days in bed, leading to missed work and school days. […] For some at-risk groups (especially frail elderly people and individuals with certain health conditions), flu can be very dangerous. Flu complications may lead to more than ten thousand hospital stays and an average of 600 deaths in the UK every year but this can vary. […] The flu virus constantly changes, so different strains circulate yearly. The World Health Organization monitors the virus throughout the world and advises which 3 or 4 strains should covered by an annual flu vaccine. Flu vaccination is offered annually because the previous year’s vaccine may not provide protection against the strains that circulate in a new season and because immunity needs to be boosted each year even for the same strain.
#45 Flu Vaccine Guidance for Patients with Immune Deficiency
https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/immuno-deficiency/flu-vaccine-guidance
Flu Vaccine Guidance for Patients with Immune DeficiencyWhile vaccination is the best tool for prevention of the flu, should patients with immune deficiency be given the vaccine? […] The live vaccines should not be given to patients with immune deficiencies. This includes FluMist live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) which is given as a nasal spray rather than a shot. It is important to emphasize that all patients with immune deficiencies and all members of their families or other household contacts should get the killed vaccine for influenza. […] In addition, having family members and other household contacts receive the vaccine reduces their risk of developing influenza and transmitting it to the patient with immune deficiency. […] Aside from making sure the immune deficient patient and his or her household members receive vaccinations with the killed influenza virus, preventative measures such as hand washing should be practiced.
#46 Physician FAQ: Influenza | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/programs/immunization-for-women/physician-tools/influenza-faqs-for-providers
Vaccination in the postpartum period is an alternative only when vaccination during pregnancy cannot be completed. It is safe for breastfeeding women to receive the flu vaccine. […] All women who are or will be pregnant during influenza season should receive an inactivated influenza vaccine as soon as it is available. […] Ideally, an influenza vaccination should be given by the end of October, but vaccination at any time during the influenza season is encouraged to ensure protection during the period of circulation. The inactivated influenza vaccine can be given to all women during any trimester. […] Because flu vaccines are recommended annually for all adults, pregnant women should be vaccinated even if they received a flu vaccine during a previous pregnancy. […] Pregnant women should receive any licensed, recommended, age-appropriate inactivated influenza vaccine, given as an intramuscular injection in the deltoid muscle.
#46 Seasonal influenza vaccines
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/seasonal-influenza/prevention-and-control/seasonal-influenza-vaccines
Seasonal influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease and annual influenza vaccinations are the most effective ways to prevent influenza. […] Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications: individuals with specific chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, children aged 6-59 months, the elderly and healthcare workers. […] Risks of an adverse event following influenza vaccination are far less common than complications related to influenza itself, and the adverse events are generally localised and mild.
#46 Physician FAQ: Influenza | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/programs/immunization-for-women/physician-tools/influenza-faqs-for-providers
Yes. Because of the high potential for morbidity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that postexposure antiviral chemoprophylaxis (75 mg of oseltamivir once daily for 10 days) be considered for pregnant women and women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum (which includes pregnancy loss) who have had close contact with someone likely to have been infected with influenza.
#47 Influenza Immunization Resources for Healthcare Providers | Immunize.org
https://www.immunize.org/vaccines/a-z/influenza/
Communicating the Benefits of Influenza Vaccination […] Tips to assist healthcare professionals with communicating the benefits of influenza vaccination. […] Declination of Influenza Vaccination […] lists important reasons for annual influenza vaccination and consequences of vaccine refusal […] This resource provides guides for determining the number of doses of influenza vaccine to give to children ages 6 months through 8 years […] This piece is for providers and shows how to administer intramuscular and intranasal influenza vaccines. […] Information about influenza vaccine products available in the U.S. during 2024-2025 […] Form your patients fill out to help you evaluate if influenza vaccine can be given at that days visit, includes information sheet for healthcare professionals
#50 Influenza vaccine as a coronary intervention for prevention of myocardial infarction | Heart
https://heart.bmj.com/content/102/24/1953
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. […] There is a large body of observational and clinical trial evidence that shows that influenza vaccine protects against AMI. Estimates of the efficacy of influenza vaccine in preventing AMI range from 15% to 45%. […] Influenza vaccine should be considered as an integral part of CVD management and prevention. […] Evidence is accumulating about the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in coronary disease prevention. […] A meta-analysis of case-control studies showed that influenza vaccine has a summary vaccine effectiveness of 29% against AMI. […] If influenza vaccine protects against AMI, the mechanism is through preventing influenza, thereby preventing the possibility of AMI triggered by the mechanisms discussed above.
#50 Influenza vaccine as a coronary intervention for prevention of myocardial infarction | Heart
https://heart.bmj.com/content/102/24/1953
Despite the large body of evidence supporting a role for influenza vaccine in coronary prevention, rates of influenza vaccination in patients with heart diseases are low, and vaccination is not a priority among physicians. […] It is therefore likely that influenza vaccine could be highly cost-effective in the prevention of AMI particularly for high-risk people. […] A well-powered RCT of influenza vaccine in AMI prevention would add to the available evidence. […] However, there is already compelling evidence that influenza vaccine should be considered as an integral part of CHD management and prevention.
#51 Whatâs New
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/immunization/influenza.aspx
Flu can be a serious illness that is easily spread from person to person. CDC estimates that flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths each year in the United States. The best way to protect yourself and your family against flu is by getting vaccinated. Everyone six months of age and older should receive the flu vaccine every year. […] Flu vaccines help keep you from getting very sick from flu. Flu vaccines lower chances of illness and hospitalization. […] Flu vaccines lower the risk of serious flu complications. Especially among older adults or those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. […] Flu vaccines during pregnancy help protect people who are pregnant and their babies from flu complications. This includes early delivery, low birth weight of the baby, and stillbirth.
#51 Whatâs New
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/immunization/influenza.aspx
Flu vaccines help babies and young children stay healthy. Flu vaccines help protect love ones who are at risk from flu. Getting vaccinated not helps protect infants, young children, and older adults in your family. […] Flu vaccines can be given at the same time as other recommended vaccines, such as COVID-19 and RSV. It is safe, effective, and convenient to get these vaccines at the same time.
#52 Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: Facts, Types, Duration
https://www.verywellhealth.com/flu-vaccine-effectiveness-5211793
The flu vaccine reduces risk of illness, hospitalization and death. […] The vaccine also reduces the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. […] The flu vaccine (flu shot or nasal spray vaccine) significantly reduces the risk of contracting the flu. […] In addition to preventing illness, the flu vaccine also reduces the risk of hospitalization and death. […] Getting the vaccine reduces the risk of intensive-care unit (ICU) hospitalization by 26% and the risk of death by 31%, according to a 2021 study. […] Among adults who are hospitalized for the flu, people who are vaccinated are 59% less likely to need intensive care unit (ICU) care, according to a 2018 study. […] Pregnant people who get the vaccine are 40% less likely to be hospitalized for flu than pregnant people who did not get the vaccine.
#52 Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: Facts, Types, Duration
https://www.verywellhealth.com/flu-vaccine-effectiveness-5211793
The flu vaccine needs two weeks to become fully effective, and protection is thought to last for at least six months. […] Because of that and because each year the vaccine is tailored to the most concerning flu variants, people should get a flu vaccine annually. […] The flu vaccine can prevent illness, hospitalization, and death. […] The effectiveness of the vaccine varies since the vaccine only protects against certain strains of flu. […] The flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective, but it does significantly reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and death.
#53 Flu Shot | Flu | Influenza | MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/flushot.html
Getting vaccinated against the flu each year is best way to lower your risk of the flu and its complications. […] There are many reasons to get a flu shot each year: It may keep you from getting sick with the flu. […] If you do get the flu, it may be less severe. You may also be less likely to have complications or need to be hospitalized with the flu. […] If you have certain chronic health conditions, getting a flu shot may help prevent the flu from making your condition worse. […] Getting the vaccine during pregnancy not only helps protect you from the flu during and after pregnancy. It also helps protect your baby from flu during their first few months of life. […] It has been shown to lower the risk of severe life-threatening flu in children. […] The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, with a few rare exceptions.
#53 Influenza Vaccine Options: 2023-2024 Season
https://www.nfid.org/resource/influenza-vaccine-options-2023-2024-season/
Annual influenza (flu) vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older as the best way to prevent influenza (flu) and related complications. […] Even in cases when vaccination does not prevent infection, it can reduce the severity of disease and prevent serious flu-related complications, including hospitalization and death. […] Health experts advise not to delay getting a flu vaccine if your first choice of vaccine is not available. […] Flu vaccines should be used with caution in anyone with a history of Guillain-Barr Syndrome within 6 weeks following a previous flu vaccine dose. […] Flu vaccines are not designed to prevent COVID-19 infection, and COVID-19 vaccines are not designed to prevent flu infection. Both vaccines must be received to help provide protection against both of these potentially serious respiratory infections.
#54 Influenza in Pregnancy: Prevention and Treatment | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-statement/articles/2024/02/influenza-in-pregnancy-prevention-and-treatment
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that all adults receive an annual influenza vaccine and that individuals who are or will be pregnant during influenza season receive an inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccine as soon as it is available. […] Influenza vaccination, as an integral component of prenatal and postpartum care, is the safest and most effective way to prevent influenza infection and reduce related maternal morbidity and mortality. […] Influenza vaccination is an essential element of prepregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that all adults receive an annual influenza vaccine and that individuals who are or will be pregnant during influenza season receive an inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccine as soon as it is available.
#55 HHS, NIH Launch Next-Generation Universal Vaccine Platform for Pandemic-Prone Viruses | HHS.govLock
https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-nih-announces-generation-gold-standard.html
Washington, D.C. â The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes for Health (NIH) today announced the development of the next-generation, universal vaccine platform, Generation Gold Standard, using a beta-propiolactone (BPL)-inactivated, whole-virus platform. […] These vaccines aim to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple strains of pandemic-prone viruses like H5N1 avian influenza and coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV. […] Unlike traditional vaccines that target specific strains, BPL-inactivated whole-virus vaccines preserve the virusâs structural integrity while eliminating infectivity. This approach induces robust B and T cell immune responses and offers long-lasting protection across diverse viral families.
#55 HHS, NIH Launch Next-Generation Universal Vaccine Platform for Pandemic-Prone Viruses | HHS.govLock
https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-nih-announces-generation-gold-standard.html
The intranasal formulation of BPL-1357 is currently in Phase Ib and II/III trials and is designed to block virus transmissionâan innovation absent from current flu and COVID-19 vaccines. […] In addition to influenza and coronavirus, the BPL platform is adaptable for future use against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza. It also offers the unprecedented capability to protect against avian influenza without inducing antigenic driftâa major step forward in proactive pandemic prevention. […] Clinical trials for universal influenza vaccines are scheduled to begin in 2026, with FDA approval targeted for 2029. The intranasal BPL-1357 flu vaccine, currently in advanced trials, is also on track for FDA review by 2029.
#56 Influenza (flu) â immunisation | Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/flu-influenza-immunisation
Immunisation against the flu is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. […] Speak to your immunisation provider to see if you are eligible for a free flu vaccine. […] Yearly vaccination before the onset of each flu season is recommended. […] Each year, a new vaccine is developed (usually called the seasonal flu vaccine) and is available for those who wish to be immunised. […] The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu because it does not contain live virus. […] The flu vaccine is recommended and funded under the NIP for all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years and can be given at the same time as childhood vaccines. […] The flu vaccine is strongly recommended in each pregnancy and is safe for pregnant women to receive at any time during pregnancy. […] Flu vaccination of pregnant women also protects infants against the flu for the first 6 months after birth due to transplacental transfer of antibodies from the vaccinated woman to the unborn baby.
#56 Influenza (flu) â immunisation | Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/flu-influenza-immunisation
The flu vaccine can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day, one after the other) with other vaccines. […] Common side effects following immunisation are usually mild and temporary (occurring in the first 2 days after vaccination). […] There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine.
#57 Mayo Clinic Minute: How to prepare for the 2024-25 influenza season – Mayo Clinic News Network
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-how-to-prepare-for-the-2024-25-influenza-season/
It’s time to protect yourself and your family for the upcoming flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released updated 2024-25 vaccine recommendations for the upcoming influenza season. […] As always, itâs strongly recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated for influenza. Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious diseases physician with the Mayo Clinic Childrenâs Center, says the flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of influenza illness and to reduce hospitalizations and deaths. […] The updated flu vaccine for this season is a trivalent vaccine, meaning it contains protection for not just one, but three different types of influenza. […] „We recommend getting the vaccine before the end of October, since we tend to see cases of influenza increase in November, December, January. You want to make sure that youâre protected going into that time of increased influenza circulation,” says Dr. Rajapakse.
#57 Study highlights effectiveness of 2023â24 flu vaccine and its implications for future disease preparedness | ASU News
https://news.asu.edu/20250204-health-and-medicine-study-highlights-effectiveness-202324-flu-vaccine-and-its-implications
A recent study revealed that the flu vaccine’s effectiveness against the H1N1 flu virus was stronger for some versions of the virus than others, underscoring the need for continuous virus monitoring to understand how flu viruses evolve. […] The research underscores the vaccine’s role in reducing flu-related illnesses and offers guidance for improving vaccination strategies in the future. […] The study evaluated the vaccines effectiveness in preventing flu-related doctor visits in the United States. […] Results of the study showed that the 202324 flu vaccine reduced the overall risk of seeking medical care for the flu by 41%. […] The vaccine was particularly effective for young children and older adults. […] One of the studys important findings is that the vaccines effectiveness against the H1N1 flu virus was stronger for some versions of the virus than others, pointing to the importance of ongoing virus monitoring to learn how flu viruses change over time.
#57 Study highlights effectiveness of 2023â24 flu vaccine and its implications for future disease preparedness | ASU News
https://news.asu.edu/20250204-health-and-medicine-study-highlights-effectiveness-202324-flu-vaccine-and-its-implications
This study highlights the flu vaccines critical role in reducing the impact of flu outbreaks. […] The study also underlines the challenges posed by the way flu viruses evolve. […] The study emphasizes the importance of worldwide cooperation in monitoring flu virus mutations and sharing data to improve vaccine effectiveness across the globe.
#58 8 things doctors wish patients knew about flu vaccines | American Medical Association
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/8-things-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-flu-vaccines
The flu season which typically runs from October through May can be severe. And for the past couple of years there has been the looming threat of a combination of a severe flu season with COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This year, while it was a busy summer with SARS-CoV-2 infections, the availability of an updated COVID-19 vaccine in addition to the influenza and RSV vaccines, offers hope for the winter season. But that is only if people use the tools to mitigate infection and illness. Everyone six months of age and older is recommended to get the influenza vaccine to reduce the risk of severe outcomes. […] For the 2022-2023 flu season, the CDC estimated that flu vaccination prevented 6 million flu-related illnesses in the U.S., 2.9 million medical visits, 65,000 hospitalizations and 3,700 deaths.
#58 8 things doctors wish patients knew about flu vaccines | American Medical Association
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/8-things-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-flu-vaccines
The flu vaccine is made of pieces of the virus or inactivated virus, and the nasal spray is a whole virus, but its an attenuated form of the virus, so neither kind can actually give you the flu, said Dr. Kirley. […] The updated COVID-19 vaccine, designed to better match currently circulating variants, is now available for patients 6 months or older. Coadministration of flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines is recommended if you are eligible and the timing coincides. […] Every year, influenza causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States, she said, noting that its important to do everything we can to keep people out of the hospital and getting a flu shot is one of the best things we can do to stay healthy during flu season. […] The flu vaccine is really to get the protection against that scenario.
#58 8 things doctors wish patients knew about flu vaccines | American Medical Association
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/8-things-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-flu-vaccines
It typically falls somewhere between 40% and 60% effectiveness, she said. Even when the vaccine is only 30% effective at preventing flu, that is still very meaningful and crucial for preventing hospitalizations and deaths. […] The general recommendation is to shoot for September or October to get your flu vaccine, said Dr. Kirley. […] Because they are also clearly one of those high-risk populations for COVID, it is even more important for them to protect themselves against the flu as well. […] The flu vaccine is most effective for all of us when more of us get it, so we can get closer to achieving at least for flu season that herd immunity, she said. Getting the flu shot is not just doing something for yourself, but it definitely is a way you can contribute to good health in your community. […] Vaccines are key to keeping everyone healthy and preventing infection.
#59 Influenza Guidelines: CDC Guidelines on Influenza Vaccination, Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) Guidelines for Influenza Testing and Antiviral Therapy
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/219557-guidelines
The vaccine strains for the upcoming influenza season are selected annually by the Food and Drug Administrations Vaccines and Related Biologic Products Advisory Committee based on WHOs recommended Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine composition. For the current composition, see Prevention. […] Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or older who do not have contraindications. A licensed, recommended, and age-appropriate vaccine should be used. […] Pregnant patients may receive any licensed, recommended, age-appropriate influenza vaccine. […] Antivirals should not be used for routine or widespread chemoprophylaxis outside of institutional outbreaks; antiviral chemoprophylaxis can be considered in the following circumstances: […] The duration of influenza season in adults and children aged 3 months or older who are at very high risk of complications and for whom influenza vaccination is contraindicated, unavailable, or expected to have low effectiveness […] The duration of influenza season in adults and children aged 3 months or older who are at the highest risk of influenza-associated complications (eg, HSCT recipients) […] Short-term prophylaxis in addition to prompt flu vaccination in unvaccinated individuals at high risk as previously described or who are in contact with high-risk individuals.
#59 Influenza Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Prevention, Prehospital Care
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/219557-treatment
Prevention is the most effective management strategy for influenza. To prevent seasonal flu, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend routine annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged 6 months or older, preferably before the onset of influenza activity in the community. […] The ACIP’s Adult Immunization Schedule for influenza vaccine includes information about the recombinant influenza vaccine and addresses the use of this vaccine and the inactivated influenza vaccine in patients with egg allergy. […] Public health measures are effective in limiting influenza transmission in closed environments. […] Influenza vaccine provides reasonable protection against immunized strains. The vaccination becomes effective 10-14 days after administration. Specific recommendations for individuals who should be immunized can be obtained from the CDC, which publishes regular updates of this information.
#61 Flu | Health & Human Services
https://hhs.iowa.gov/immunization/flu
Flu vaccines are proven to help prevent millions of illnesses and have been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor by 40% to 60%. […] Even when the flu vaccine doesnt exactly match the viruses, it can still provide protection. […] A strong influenza vaccine recommendation is one of the most important factors in patients accepting the vaccine.
#62 Flu Shots: Locations & Information | UCLA Health
https://www.uclahealth.org/patient-resources/support-information/patient-education/flu-prevention
The CDC recommends a flu shot for everyone 6 months and older starting in the early fall, before flu season begins. UCLA Health is now offering flu shot administration. […] The flu vaccine can prevent or reduce symptoms that might be confused with COVID-19. […] Getting the annual flu vaccine is especially important for those who are: 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease, pregnant women, those who live with or provide care for these high risk individuals. […] The CDC website has information for the 2024-2025 flu season. This years flu vaccines are trivalent, which means they cover the three most likely strains of the flu virus expected this season (two A strains and one B strain). All available vaccines are preservative-free and do not contain gluten or latex. The formulations used at UCLA Health are thimerosal-free.
#63
https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/diseases/seasonal-influenza
Several of the influenza vaccines available have been prequalified by the WHO for purchase by UN agencies (https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/vaccines/prequalified-vaccines). This process of vaccine prequalification provides independent opinion and advice on the quality, safety, and efficacy of vaccines. […] The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries immunize persons at high risk for severe influenza illness annually with influenza vaccines. […] WHOs influenza recommendations aim to protect vulnerable high-risk groups from severe disease. In 2012, WHO published a position paper on influenza.
#64 NIH Launches Generation Gold Standard Universal Vaccine Initiative
https://www.contagionlive.com/view/nih-launches-generation-gold-standard-universal-vaccine-initiative
Despite political restructuring and funding cuts, the NIHs Generation Gold Standard vaccine platform offers a promising solution for pandemic preparedness and global health resilience. […] The initiative aims to protect against multiple pandemic-prone viruses, including H5N1 avian influenza and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV. […] Unlike traditional strain-specific vaccines, the BPL method preserves the viruss structural integrity while rendering it non-infectious. This allows for broad and long-lasting B and T cell immune responses. […] The BPL-1357 vaccine candidate, currently in Phase II/III trials, aims to provide broad immune protection and block virus transmission. […] This initiative is part of a broader movement to shift away from seasonal, strain-specific vaccines and toward broader, more durable flu protection with potential pandemic response capabilities.
#64 NIH Launches Generation Gold Standard Universal Vaccine Initiative
https://www.contagionlive.com/view/nih-launches-generation-gold-standard-universal-vaccine-initiative
A universal vaccine could play multiple roles in pandemic preparedness. It could be stockpiled for deployment once a pandemic strain is identified, providing at least a baseline level of protection while a strain-specific vaccine is developed. It could also replace the seasonal vaccine to generate coverage in advance of a pandemic and potentially prevent pandemics from ever happening.
#66 When to Get a Flu Shot This Year: What Experts Recommend | Baystate Health
https://www.baystatehealth.org/articles/do-i-need-a-flu-shot
Anyone can get the flu, no matter how healthy they are. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all people (with some exceptions) ages 6 months and older get a flu shot to protect themselves and others from the flu. […] Increased flu vaccination for both adults and children could help reduce the risk of a more severe flu season, said Dr. Armando Paez, chief, Infectious Disease Division, Baystate Health. […] The 2024-2025 flu vaccines are now available. Ideally, the CDC recommends that everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October since the flu can begin in earnest at any time and it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to build up antibodies to protect you from the flu. […] But it is never too late to get the flu shot to protect yourself throughout the long flu season, said Dr. Paez. The best time to get a flu shot is as soon as possible, regardless of how late in the season it is.