Flu prevention
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most effective way to prevent influenza is vaccination. When a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, overall virus transmission is reduced, making it less likely for vulnerable individuals to be exposed and thereby protecting the community. Vaccinating approximately 33–73% of the population can significantly reduce outbreaks.
How do flu vaccines work?4
Benefits of flu vaccine4,5
Prevents Flu
When you’re vaccinated, you’re less likely to get the flu. It also reduces the severity of illness in vaccinated people who fall sick 4
Once A Year
The annual flu vaccine gives you optimal protection from the current season’s active flu strains. 4
Reduce Hospitalization
During 2019 – 2020, the flu vaccination prevented an estimated 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations 4
Better Productivity
Influenza is associated with workplace productivity loss. A typical employee could lose ~3.5 workdays following influenza infection 5
Daily Preventative Actions to Stop the Spread of Virus6
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover coughs and
sneezes.
Wash hands often with soap and water.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as germs spread this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects regularly.
Stay at home
when unwell.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?1,7
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and above to help reduce the risk of influenza infection and transmission.
Because high-risk individuals are more likely to develop influenza-related complications and severe illness, vaccination is especially crucial for the following groups:
1. Pregnant women8,9
The flu vaccination helps protect pregnant women against flu and its potentially serious complications during pregnancy. A 2018 study showed that the flu vaccination reduced a pregnant person’s risk of hospitalization due to flu by an average of 40%
2. Children (6 months – 5 years)10-12
Children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2 years, has a high burden of influenza. Flu vaccination in children is associated with:
3. Elderly13-14
The flu vaccination in adults aged 65 years old and higher provide a significant protection against flu-related in-hospital deaths and ICU admissions.
4. Individuals with chronic medical conditions6
The flu vaccination leads to a significant health risk reduction and flu-associated hospitalization in patients with certain chronic conditions such as:
Asthma
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Chronic Lung Disease
5. Healthcare workers1,15
Healthcare workers are at high risk of influenza due to increased exposure to patients and the risk of spreading the virus further, particularly to vulnerable individuals. Higher vaccination rates are significantly associated with reduced sickness absence.
