Myths and misconceptions about the medical marvel that is the flu vaccine
In 1918, a particularly virulent strain of influenza is estimated to have infected 500 million people worldwide, killing between 20 and 50 million people, and causing more fatalities than the entire course of the First World War1.
It was not until the 1930s, and after many years of deadly influenza pandemics, that influenza was identified to be caused by a virus and not a bacterial infection, a vital step towards developing an effective vaccine1.
Historically, as each new vaccine proved effective in a particular flu season, the following season would see scientists discovering that some patients were not developing the necessary antibodies to the identified strain, which led to the discovery of different influenza strains1.
Fortunately today, scientists now manufacture vaccines based on the monitoring of virus strains in circulation around the world, updating the strains targeted by the vaccine in response1.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the flu vaccine is still the best way to prevent the flu2. Flu viruses mutate very rapidly, and as the viruses spread, many different strains develop, which fall into 2 main types namely influenza A and influenza B11. Because flu viruses are constantly evolving, flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season3.
For the past few years, a quadrivalent influenza vaccine has been available worldwide to protect against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses4.
However, given that there have not been any confirmed detections of the one influenza B virus since March 2020, the World Health Organization Flu Vaccine Strain-Selection Committee has recommended switching back to trivalent (three-strain) vaccines that include two influenza A strains plus just the one influenza B strain5. This vaccine will be available in South Africa this month.
Despite over 60 years of medical research, clinical trials and proven safety and efficacy, as well as the fact that the flu vaccine can reduce the chances of getting sick by up to 60%, many myths and misconceptions about the potentially life saving medical intervention still exist6,7.
Flu isn't serious
Many people are still under the impression that flu isn't serious. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, seasonal flu results in between 6 000 and 11 000 deaths in South Africa annually, as a result of flu complications. People who are more at risk of severe flu complications include the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis and heart disease8.
The flu vaccine causes flu
One common myth that exists is that the flu vaccine can cause flu. This is not true. To cause an infection, a flu virus needs to reproduce, and no flu vaccine anywhere in the world contains viruses that can reproduce. Some people may feel some minor side effects after being vaccinated, including slight fever, aches, or fatigue, but these can all be normal signs that your immune system is learning to fight off the flu6.
One vaccine every few years should suffice
Some people think that the flu vaccine they had last year will protect them again the following year. Unlike other vaccines, flu vaccines are not intended to last longer than one year. This is because flu viruses are constantly changing, and flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next6.
Flu vaccines are dangerous for pregnant women
On the contrary, pregnant women are a higher risk group who should get the flu vaccine, since their immune systems are weaker than usual. The inactivated flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy5.
Flu vaccines are painful
While the thought of a needle might make some people nervous or uncomfortable, medical innovation has also advanced when it comes to administering the flu vaccination. A smart syringe, which is available in South Africa, is one example, which has been designed for precise dosing and injection site comfort9. This is particularly helpful given that the World Health Organisation recommends that children from the age of six months old should get an annual flu vaccination2.
Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or local clinic about getting your flu vaccination as soon as possible.
It is quick, easy and safe6,7,9 and can protect you and your family from becoming seriously ill with flu, and limits the spread of infection to family, friends and colleagues.
References:
1. World Health Organization. History of the Influenza Vaccination (2024) at https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/history-of-vaccination/history-of-influenza-vaccination (website accessed on 18 February 2024)
2. World Health Organization. Key Facts (2023) at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)# (website accessed on 30 January 2024)
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Strong Defence Against Flu – Get Vaccinated! (2020) at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/general/strong-defense-against-flu.pdf (website accessed on 30 January 2024).
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (2023) at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/quadrivalent.htm# (website accessed on 19 February 2024)
5. University of Minnesota. WHO advisers recommend switch back to trivalent flu vaccines (2023) at https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-vaccines/who-advisers-recommend-switch-back-trivalent-flu-vaccines (website accessed on 19 February 2024)
6. Families Fighting Flu Inc. Facts on Flu Vaccines (2021) at https://www.familiesfightingflu.org/facts-on-flu-vaccines/# (website accessed on 18 February 2024)
7. World Health Organization. 5 Myths about the Flu Vaccine (2024) at https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/influenza-are-we-ready/5-myths-about-the-flu-vaccine (website accessed on 18 February 2024)
8. National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Influenza Season Approaching (2018) at https://www.nicd.ac.za/influenza-season-approaching/# (website accessed on 30 January 2024
9. Smart Syringe System data on file
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