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Flu Vaccine: Yearly Updates, Effectiveness, and Safety

This article discusses the annual flu vaccine, including reasons for yearly updates, strain selection, recommendations for vaccination, effectiveness, side effects, and future innovations.

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Bulgarian

Germany

HealthGermany PreventionFluVaccineImmunity

WhoArdRobert Koch InstituteEuropean UnionEuropean Commission

How effective are flu vaccines?: Vaccination rates in Germany are below 50% across most age groups, falling short of EU recommendations. While effectiveness varies (20-60% in Germany from 2010-2019), it still significantly reduces the severity of illness.
How are the vaccine strains chosen?: Global labs monitor circulating viruses, predicting dominant strains for the upcoming season. The WHO makes a forecast in February, guiding vaccine manufacturers to adapt their products accordingly, using previously approved formulations.
Who is recommended to get the flu vaccine?: In Germany, high-risk groups (over 60, pregnant people, those with underlying conditions, and healthcare workers) are recommended for vaccination. While not mandated for healthy individuals, vaccination is still advised to reduce transmission.
Why is there a new flu vaccine every year?: Influenza viruses constantly change to evade the immune system. Even with prior immunity, new strains can still cause infection, though usually milder. Yearly updates to the vaccine are crucial to maintain effectiveness against the circulating strains.
What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?: Common side effects are mild, such as cold symptoms or injection site pain. Egg allergies need careful consideration due to the production method, but cell-cultured alternatives are available. New nasal spray and RNA/DNA vaccines are being developed.

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