Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Nurhan Köksal said that the most appropriate time for the flu vaccine is October and November, starting from mid-September, when the virus usually begins to spread. “If the vaccine is given during this period, the body is ensured to develop effective protection throughout the flu season. The immunity provided by the vaccine is fully formed within a few weeks and provides protection throughout the flu season.”
Prof. Dr. Nurhan Köksal from Liv Hospital Samsun Chest Diseases Clinic informed about the flu vaccine. Underlining that the flu vaccine is a preventive measure that gains importance with the spread of the flu virus every year in autumn and winter, Prof. Dr. Köksal said, “Since flu is a disease that can lead to serious complications, especially for people in the risk group, the vaccine plays a vital role for these groups. The best time for the flu vaccine is usually October and November, starting from mid-September, when the virus begins to spread. Getting the vaccine at this time allows the body to develop effective protection throughout the flu season. The immunity provided by the vaccine is fully formed within a few weeks and provides protection throughout the flu season.”
“People over the age of 65, people with chronic diseases, people under the age of 5 and pregnant women are in the risk group”
Stating that the flu vaccine is especially recommended for individuals in the high-risk group, Prof. Dr. Köksal said, “Groups such as people aged 65 and over, those with chronic diseases (such as heart, lung, kidney diseases), individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and healthcare workers are among the priority groups that should get the flu vaccine. Young children (aged 6 months to 5 years) and people living in long-term care homes are also considered at risk. As these people are more vulnerable to the flu virus, the benefits of vaccination are greater for them. Common side effects include pain, redness or swelling at the vaccination site, mild fever and muscle aches. These side effects are usually short-lived and go away on their own within a few days. Less commonly, some people may develop allergic reactions. However, serious side effects are very rare and the benefits of the vaccine are much higher than the risks.”
“Flu vaccine does not cause flu”
Pointing out that the public is also curious about whether the flu vaccine will cause flu or not, Prof. Dr. Köksal said, “The flu vaccine does not cause flu because it does not contain live viruses, but people who get flu just before or just after the vaccine may perceive this as a side effect of the vaccine. In the time it takes for the immune system to strengthen, a person may have come into contact with the virus. Therefore, the timing of vaccination is of great importance. The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of serious complications and hospitalization caused by the flu virus, thus contributing to the increase in social immunity.”
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