Is the flu vaccine necessary?

I. Need for influenza vaccine(i) Protection of vulnerable populations1. Older persons — Older persons have reduced physical functioning, low immunity and are vulnerable to serious complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure and even life-threatening conditions as a result of influenza. Influenza vaccine can stimulate antibodies from the immune system of older persons and reduce the risk of influenza infection. For example, studies have shown a significant decrease in the incidence of influenza and its complications, following vaccination of those aged 60-65 years and over. Children — Children, especially children under 2-5 years of age, have yet to develop a fully developed immune system and are less resilient to influenza viruses. In the event of influenza, heated, convulsive and other symptoms may also cause complications such as mid-ear and pneumonia. Influenza vaccinations can effectively protect children from influenza viruses, reduce the likelihood of disease and reduce post-disease symptoms. Pregnant and lactating women. The biological changes in the pregnant woman’s body during pregnancy have altered her immune capacity, which tends to be more serious after influenza, and may have adverse effects on the foetus, such as premature birth, stunting of the foetus, etc. Lactating women may also transmit the virus to their babies through exposure when they become infected with influenza. Inoculation against influenza can protect pregnant and lactating women and indirectly protect the health of the foetus and the infant. People suffering from basic diseases — For people suffering from basic diseases such as chronic kidney disease and tumours, they are in poor physical condition, which exacerbates the condition of the original disease and prolongs their rehabilitation. Influenza vaccine can reduce their risk of influenza to some extent and help to control the development of the disease. (ii) Need for vaccination in view of the characteristics of the influenza virusThe mutated influenza virus is a highly variable virus with different strains per year. This means that antibodies from previous human infections or vaccines from previous vaccinations may not be effective for new strains. Each year, the World Health Organization adapts the composition of the influenza vaccine to changes in the strain of influenza, so that an annual influenza vaccine is necessary to effectively prevent the influenza virus that was prevalent that year. For example, last year’s vaccine may have been for the A virus strain, but this year’s epidemic is a mutation of the B virus strain, which can only be prevented by new vaccines containing components for the B virus. The rapid and widespread transmission of influenza, which is an acute respiratory epidemic, can cause seasonal epidemics among the population. During high-prevalence flu seasons, such as autumn winter festivals, people are vulnerable to influenza in densely populated areas such as schools, offices and public places. Inoculation against influenza is one of the main measures to prevent and control the spread of influenza, by increasing the vaccination coverage of the population, creating group immunization, reducing the spread of influenza among the population and protecting those who, for various reasons, cannot be vaccinated, such as those who are allergic to vaccines. (iii) Benefits of influenza vaccination1. Personal health benefits. With influenza vaccinations, humans produce antibodies and resistance to the corresponding influenza virus, thereby reducing the risk of infection and transmission. At the same time, the risk of influenza and serious complications among inoculations can be significantly reduced, post-disease symptoms reduced, the disease cycle reduced and the health and quality of life improved for individuals. Social Benefits. At the social level, if more people are vaccinated against influenza, the incidence of influenza can be reduced and the burden of the medical system in the high-prevalence season can be reduced, for example, by reducing the number of hospital visits and the use of medical resources. Moreover, it also helps to reduce the labour losses caused by influenza, which has positive implications for the economic development and stability of society. II. Considerations for influenza vaccination in special circumstances(i) Need for vaccination of healthy peopleHealthy, young and healthy. For a healthy, younger and healthy age, they are relatively immune, and may have less symptoms of influenza and recover faster. However, there are still some advantages to inoculation against influenza. First, although it may not be serious after the infection, vaccinations can avoid the discomfort caused by influenza, such as fever, cough and inactivity, which does not affect work and life. Second, vaccinations also help to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza viruses to others, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and the family. However, the inoculation of this segment of the population can be considered on the basis of such factors as the individual ‘ s wishes, the circumstances in which he or she lives (e.g., whether he or she is often in a densely populated place) and the economic situation. (ii) Inoculation taboos and careParadoxically. No one who is allergic to any of the components of the influenza vaccine can be vaccinated, e.g., those who are allergic to eggs (because of the use of egg-breeding viruses in part of the production of the influenza vaccine) need to be carefully vaccinated and should consult a doctor before being vaccinated. In addition, people in acute conditions such as cold fever should wait for their condition to be restored so as not to affect the effectiveness of the vaccine or aggravate it. Attention — After vaccination against influenza, a period of time, typically 15-30 minutes, should be observed at the inoculation site to observe any adverse response. During the period following the inoculation, symptoms such as pain, bruises, or mild heat, inactivity, which are usually normal reactions, are likely to occur in the inoculation area and are usually self-relievable within 1-2 days. In the event of serious adverse reactions, such as respiratory difficulties, high fever, etc., timely medical attention should be provided. In short, influenza vaccines are necessary for most people, especially for the most vulnerable. However, the decision to inoculate may also take into account the individual ‘ s physical condition, living environment and, if necessary, medical advice.