Flu vaccine: Who should get it – Guidelines and recommendations

The most effective way to prevent seasonal flu is vaccination with the flu vaccine, which, when administered correctly and on time, protects against the transmission of the flu virus, helps protect against serious flu complications and, by extension, reduces absences from work, school and any other social event, is noted in a circular of the Ministry of Health, entitled “Instructions for the Seasonal Flu 2022-2023 – Anti-Flu Vaccination”.

As every year and because the influenza virus mutates into different sub-serotypes, for the period 2022-2023 the composition of the influenza vaccine contains the approved strains of the virus, in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Co-circulation with SARS-CoV-2

The circular notes that it is expected that during the upcoming 2022-2023 flu season, the flu virus will circulate alongside the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease COVID-19. This special juncture calls for the most complete implementation of influenza vaccination in the coming period with priority vaccination of people belonging to groups of increased risk. The aim is to reduce the chances of simultaneous infection with both viruses, which can burden the condition of patients, as well as to reduce the burden on health services and in particular on Intensive Care Units, so that they can better respond to a possible increased demand .

Vaccination recommendations

According to the National Vaccination Program of our country, influenza vaccination must be applied systematically and as a priority to people (adults and children) who belong to the following groups of increased risk:

1. People aged 60 and over

2. Children (6 months and older) and adults with one or more of the following aggravating factors or chronic diseases: Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Heart disease with severe hemodynamic disturbance. Immunosuppression (hereditary or acquired). Organ transplantation and bone marrow transplantation. Sickle cell anemia (and other hemoglobinopathies). Diabetes mellitus or other chronic metabolic disease. Chronic kidney disease. Chronic liver diseases. Neurological-neuromuscular diseases. Down syndrome

3. Pregnant women regardless of gestational age, lactating and lactating women.

4. People with morbid obesity (Body Mass Index >40Kg/m2) and children with BMI >95thETH.

5. Children who take aspirin long-term (e.g. for Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).

6. People who are in close contact with children younger than 6 months or care for or live with people with an underlying illness, which increases the risk of flu complications.

7. Closed populations, such as staff and internal students (of schools, military and police schools, special schools, etc.), new recruits, institutions for the chronically ill and accommodation units for the elderly, detention centers.

8. Workers in health care facilities (medical and nursing staff, other workers, students of health professions in clinical practice) and in refugee-immigrant accommodation centers.

9. Homeless.

10. Veterinarians, poultry farmers, pig farmers, breeders, slaughterers and general people who come into systematic contact with birds or pigs.

Vaccine administration instructions

Influenza vaccine should be given early and before the start of the usual flu season, as it takes about 2 weeks to develop an immune response. Preferably, the vaccination should be completed at least 4-6 weeks before the start of the annual epidemic wave of influenza in Greece (ie mid- to late November). In addition, vaccination continues throughout the flu season for people who are eligible for vaccination and did not get vaccinated in time.

Influenza vaccination generally includes only 1 dose of the vaccine per year. It is noted that infants and children aged <9 years who are vaccinated for the first time, or those = 6 months 0.5 ml is administered (the entire dose), according to the instructions from official European or other drug agencies (FDA, EMA etc.).

Co-administration with the coronavirus vaccine

The flu shot can even be given on the same day as the coronavirus vaccine – but at different anatomical sites – as well as any other day before and after the coronavirus vaccine.

Time limitations for administration of the influenza vaccine in relation to the COVID-19 infection

Asymptomatic or presymptomatic patients with a positive laboratory test for COVID-19 should receive the influenza vaccine once they have completed their isolation.

Asymptomatic people who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID -19 and have a negative laboratory test can be vaccinated as normal.

Symptomatic patients with COVID-19 infection should postpone their vaccination until isolation is complete and symptoms of the disease have resolved.

Flu vaccine prescription

Every medical prescription containing an influenza vaccine is issued strictly according to the guidelines of the National Immunization Program and must be electronic. Handwritten prescriptions for influenza vaccines are made only in the following cases: Insured persons who have not joined the Electronic Prescription system. Citizens (tourists) from countries outside the European Union as well as European citizens who do not have an EEKA (European Health Insurance Card). Immigrants who, for various reasons, have not obtained an AMKA or a Temporary Foreigner’s Insurance and Health Care Number (PAAUPA). The handwritten prescription for the above cases will be registered in the electronic prescription system by the pharmacy in which it is carried out in accordance with the instructions of the IDIKA and will meet the same criteria that apply to the electronic prescription of influenza vaccines.

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