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Seasonal flu
Prevention with Vaccines
Seasonal flu vaccines have a long track record of safe and effective use. The vaccine is normally given as early as possible in the autumn, and protection lasts through the winter and beyond, though because of mutation, new vaccines are generally required each year.
Effectiveness
Their effectiveness depends on there being a good match between the strains used to produce the vaccine, and the strains that ultimately cause infection. Seasonal flu vaccines cut the risk of infection by at least 70-90 per cent. Over time, our ability to predict which strains will arrive each year – based on global surveillance by the WHO – has dramatically improved. The effectiveness of vaccines in preventing flu is therefore constantly increasing.
Published research data show that seasonal flu vaccination:
• Cuts the risk of laboratory-confirmed flu infection by at least 70-90%
• Cuts total numbers of upper respiratory infections/flu-like illnesses* by at least 25-34%
• Cuts work loss from upper respiratory infections/flu-like illnesses* by 32-43%
• Cuts visits to the doctor by 42-44%
*Crude totals of colds, coughs, and all upper respiratory illnesses
Which type of vaccine?
There are two types of vaccine currently available, with much ongoing research to create additional options:
• The traditional (“split virion”) vaccine consists of killed virus particles that produce antibodies against strains that are an exact or very close match to the strains used to create the vaccine.
• New generation (“virosomal”) vaccines are the product of the latest research developments, and deliver killed viral particles directly inside target cells, stimulating broader and more cross-reactive protection (“cell mediated immunity”) against flu viruses in general.
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Call our UK Booking Hotline now! Book your Corporate Flu Vaccination programme right away: 020 7353 5678
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