Scientific understanding of influenza vaccines: building a healthy defense line for children

Author: Chen Yue, First Hospital of Jilin University

Reviewer: Zhao Jie, Chairman of the Chinese Medical Association Clinical Pharmacy Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

Chief Pharmacist Professor

Children have weaker immunity and are more susceptible to influenza virus infection because their immune systems are not fully developed. The main symptoms of influenza in children include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue, etc. At present, influenza vaccination is an effective means of preventing influenza.

1. The best preventive measure: flu vaccination

Flu vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza and reduce the risk of contracting influenza and developing serious complications. Taking anti-influenza virus drugs for preventive treatment cannot replace vaccination. It can only be used as an emergency temporary preventive measure for people with severe influenza who have not been vaccinated or have not yet gained immunity after vaccination. For children to receive the flu vaccine, what age is suitable for vaccination and when should it be vaccinated? Here are the answers for you.

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It is recommended that babies aged ≥6 months receive annual influenza immunization. Currently, inactivated influenza vaccines have not been approved for use in infants under 6 months of age. Influenza vaccines are divided into trivalent and quadrivalent. The trivalent influenza vaccine mainly protects against three subtypes of influenza viruses, while the quadrivalent influenza vaccine adds an additional subtype. Therefore, if conditions permit, the quadrivalent influenza vaccine is generally preferred. Because the quadrivalent influenza vaccine can protect against more types of influenza viruses, it can theoretically provide better preventive effects. Current research data show that compared with trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines, there is no difference in the preventive effect of antibodies produced against common virus strains. Vaccine settings vary from place to place, so don't delay the best vaccination time in order to wait for the quadrivalent vaccine. It is recommended to get the vaccine that is available locally. See the table below for the specific differences between the two vaccines.

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Influenza vaccination time: Generally, it is carried out in September or October every year. Because influenza is a respiratory infectious disease in winter and spring, and the body takes about two weeks to produce effective antibodies after vaccination, we should try to get vaccinated 1 to 2 months before the influenza epidemic, so as to play an effective preventive role before the influenza occurs.

2. Precautions when receiving influenza vaccine

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1. For infants and young children aged 6 to 23 months, the risk of developing severe illness after contracting influenza is high and the burden of influenza hospitalization is heavy, so influenza vaccination should be given priority.

2. Existing influenza vaccines cannot be directly administered to infants under 6 months of age. Influenza can be prevented by vaccinating the mother during pregnancy and by vaccinating family members or caregivers.

3. If a child is ill, it is not recommended to get vaccinated, as this will worsen the illness. The child should wait until he or she has fully recovered from the illness before getting vaccinated.

4. Because the influenza virus is highly variable, the protection duration after influenza vaccination does not exceed 1 year, so it is best to get a influenza vaccine once in October every year.

5. If you are taking medication or have received other vaccines recently, you should tell your doctor before getting the flu vaccine; you can get the flu vaccine while taking anti-influenza virus drugs for prevention and treatment.

6. After the vaccination, you should stay at the vaccination site for observation for 30 minutes before leaving.

3. What details should we pay attention to in our daily life to prevent influenza?

1. Influenza vaccine is the most effective means of preventing influenza, and the vaccine can be administered in advance during the peak influenza season.

2. Pay attention to personal hygiene, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask when going out, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing.

3. Keep the indoor environment clean and ventilate frequently.

4. Avoid going to crowded places during the peak of influenza season.

5. Enhance your own immunity, such as increasing nutrient intake, exercising appropriately, etc.

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