According to Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC), the number of people inquiring about and seeking flu vaccines has significantly increased after the Lunar New Year holiday (Tet).

Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, medical director at VNVC, stated that the number of people actively getting flu shots at VNVC has increased by an average of 200% daily compared to before the Tet holiday, particularly among adults and the elderly, with nearly 50% of those receiving the flu shot in this group.

Many parents took the opportunity to get their children vaccinated before returning to school, fearing flu transmission in crowded environments. Adults also encouraged their families to get vaccinated against the flu and other respiratory diseases.

“Everyone finds the flu vaccination costs reasonable, yet it provides high protection and reduces flu-related complications. The flu vaccine is effective in preventing the disease up to 90%, reduces the risk of death from any cause by 47%, lowers the risk of hospitalization from pneumonia, and decreases the risk of heart attack by 15-45%,” explained Dr. Chinh.

For the elderly and those with underlying conditions, she said, the vaccine reduces the flu-related mortality rate by 70-80%. Flu vaccination helps pregnant women reduce the risk of stillbirth by 51% and lowers the risk of hospitalization for children under 6 months old due to the flu by 72%.

Vietnam now has a new flu vaccine that protects against four common flu strains - A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Yamagata, and B/Victoria - for both children and adults. In addition to the flu vaccine, children and adults should also get pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) to prevent secondary infections when contracting the flu.

As a tropical country, Vietnam is exposed to both Southern and Northern Hemisphere flu strains, which can circulate year-round. According to epidemiological studies, flu seasons typically peak in March-April and September-October, with an increased risk during the winter-spring period.

Doctors remind that the flu vaccine does not provide immediate protection. It takes about 2-3 weeks after vaccination for the body to build up sufficient antibodies. Therefore, they say, it’s advisable to get the flu vaccine as early as possible for the best protection.

The World Health Organization confirms that the most effective way to prevent seasonal flu is to get fully vaccinated on schedule. The flu vaccine has been proven safe, effective, and in use for over 60 years.
 

Doctors warn against deadly seasonal flu as infections rise sharply

VOV.VN - With the flu season developing in a complicated and unpredictable manner in many localities across Vietnam, doctors have underlined the importance of preventive measures and the value of treatment for those who catch viruses.