What are the benefits of the flu vaccine?
What are the benefits of the flu vaccine?
Every year, the flu infects approximately 10 to 30% of Europeans and causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalisations (1). Even healthy people can catch the virus (2). And while older people, younger children and those with chronic conditions suffer the most, everyone is at risk of developing serious complications (1).
The flu vaccine is available to help protect people from the flu (2). Read on to learn about the benefits of getting a flu shot.
Complications from the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections to worsening of chronic medical conditions and even septicemia (8). Adverse events following flu vaccination are far less common, generally localised and last no more than a couple of days (8). The benefits of vaccination substantially outweigh any risks (8). Have you had your flu shot?
References
(1) https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/seasonal-influenza/facts
(2) https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/influenza-are-we-ready/5-myths-about-the-flu-vaccine
(3) https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/communicable-diseases/influenza/vaccination
(4) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
(5) https://www.healthline.com/health/flu-shot-pros-and-cons#benefits
(6) https://www.vaccinestoday.eu/stories/bonus-benefits-flu-vaccine-does-more-than-protect-against-influenza/
(7) https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/seasonal-influenza/prevention-and-control/vaccines/vaccination-strategies
(8) https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/seasonal-influenza/prevention-and-control/vaccine-safety
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