Which flu vaccine is better - imported or domestic? Pros and cons of flu shots Russian flu vaccines names

Every year, with the onset of winter, the flu and ARVI viruses begin to spread. In the 2016-2017 season, an attack of a new Hong Kong influenza virus (H3N2) is expected. Doctors express their opinion that this species will become a real pandemic (from the Greek word “all people”), capable of spreading throughout the country and even in the adjacent territories of other states.

Older people and young children born after 2008 will be most at risk of infection. A high degree of spread of the virus will begin in December, so it is worth taking care of your protection as early as possible. One of the main options for preventing infection is vaccination. However, many people have their own opinions about vaccinations. Let's try to evaluate all the pros and cons of the flu shot in 2016-2017.

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Flu shot in 2016: pros and cons

A flu vaccine is a drug containing a pathogen that is injected into the body in a weakened or inactivated form. The virus does not contribute to infection and does not cause complications; it is aimed at developing lasting immunity to this type of virus. Whether or not to get a flu vaccine is a purely personal decision. After studying the opinions of experts, we will consider all the arguments for and against flu vaccinations.

Arguments for the flu vaccine

Experts in the field of immunoprophylaxis with vaccines and serums believe that vaccination is the body’s main defense against the effects of the virus. This will help not only protect yourself from the risk of disease, but also save your family budget. For example, even if you do a paid vaccination, it will still cost less than spending money on treatment later. And it’s good if the treatment is successful, because many people underestimate the danger of getting the flu. According to statistics, schoolchildren and younger children often have severe complications: asthma, otitis media, pneumonia.

Many people doubt whether to get a flu shot or not, because they are worried that complications will arise from the vaccination or that it will not help them and there will still be a risk of infection. However, as already mentioned, vaccination does not promote infection, but develops lasting immunity to the virus. In a minimal percentage of cases, a reaction in the form of redness, sometimes mild malaise, discomfort in the throat or a slight increase in temperature is observed at the injection site. Such symptoms go away on their own within 2-3 days.

If, a month after the vaccination, symptoms similar to the flu appear, then these may only be symptoms of other viral diseases or a common cold. Even if the influenza virus does attack, it will be asymptomatic or mild.

So, the main advantage is that the body develops resistance to viral infection. Moreover, the vaccine has immunomodulatory properties, in other words, it supports the human immune system, which eliminates the risk of infection with other viruses and infections.

Arguments against the flu shot

People speak out against the vaccine mainly for the following reasons:

weakening of the immune system each time more and more new vaccines are introduced;

possibility of an allergic reaction;

the risk of infection still remains.

Yes, indeed, for a certain period after vaccination our body is more weakened. This is due to the fact that in the first days he fights the introduced virus, so there may be a risk of contracting colds, especially in the fall.

Therefore, before the vaccine is administered, a person must be absolutely healthy; it is advisable to stay at home during this period and try not to visit crowded places.

As for an allergic reaction, it is impossible to guess how the body will behave. Therefore, people with allergies may not receive the flu vaccine.

The opinion that vaccination will not protect the body 100% is indeed true. The risk of infection remains, but the immune system will be ready to fight the virus and the disease will pass in a mild form.

When should you get a flu shot in 2016-2017?

Vaccination preparations with the antigen relevant for the upcoming virus are already being supplied to medical institutions. You need to take care of your protection in advance. After vaccination, the body needs at least 2 weeks to recover.

Due to the fact that the risk of a flu epidemic is expected as early as December 2016, vaccination should be done before the end of November.

Young children and the elderly are at particular risk of infection, but there are categories of people who are especially recommended to get vaccinated:

children who attend educational institutions or kindergartens;

pregnant women;

staff of medical institutions;

people living in dormitories or family-type homes, military personnel;

persons who often suffer from colds;

patients diagnosed with HIV, as well as those with chronic diseases of the heart, kidneys, and endocrine system.

For children who have not previously been vaccinated, it is recommended to administer two doses of the drug at an interval of one month. Before vaccination, both adults and parents of young children should consult with their local doctor. Based on health conditions, as well as existing contraindications, he will assess the possibility or impossibility of vaccination, give the necessary recommendations and establish the optimal timing of vaccination. In addition, we note that on the day of vaccination you must come for a second examination to a therapist or pediatrician.

Influenza is one of the popular flu vaccines this season.

Names of flu vaccines in 2016-2017

The following vaccines have been developed in the fight against Hong Kong flu:

Flu. Manufactured by Microgen LLC (Russia), the price per dose ranges from 170 to 200 rubles;

Sovigrip. Manufacturer - Microgen LLC (Russia), included in the vaccination calendar, therefore it is free;

Grippol plus. Manufacturer: Petrovax Pharm OJSC (Russia), price: from 190 to 250 rubles;

Ultrix. Manufacturer - Microgen LLC (Russia), included in the vaccination calendar, provided free of charge;

Fluarix. Manufacturer - pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (Belgium), price from 350 to 550 rubles;

Influvac. Manufacturer - Abbott Products LLC (Netherlands), price - from 270 to 320 rubles;

Agrippal. Manufacturer: pharmaceutical company Novartis (Italy), price: from 300 to 310 rubles.

Contraindications to vaccination

Flu vaccinations have a number of contraindications: permanent, absolute, temporary.

The permanent ones include:

allergic reaction to chicken protein;

allergy to certain components of vaccines;

complications after previous vaccinations.

Absolute contraindications include the category of people suffering from severe immunodeficiency.

Temporary ones include:

colds;

exacerbation of chronic diseases;

general weakness of the body.

In this case, you should wait until complete recovery and vaccinate at least 2 weeks later.

The Committee on Vaccine Safety has studied cases of adverse events associated with the use of vaccines. In most cases it is a severe headache. Cases of neuropathy and death have also been observed.

According to the committee, subunit vaccines such as Agrippal, Influvac, and Grippol cause fewer side effects. Such preparations contain detached and purified whole viruses.

When using inactivated vaccines, redness at the injection site, increased body temperature, and various pain sensations are observed. Such side effects are observed almost immediately on the day of injection and last 2-3 days and go away on their own.

Whether or not to get vaccinated against the Hong Kong flu in 206-2017 is a personal choice for each of us. Before vaccination, weigh all the pros and cons for yourself, have a face-to-face consultation with a therapist, and, if necessary, undergo a series of tests. And, of course, be healthy!

How effective is the 2016-2017 flu vaccine and is it worth agreeing to vaccination? With the onset of the autumn-winter period, this issue worries all conscious citizens who care about their health. To be vaccinated or not is a voluntary matter, but it is worth remembering that you cannot delay the decision to vaccinate. In order for the vaccine to give the most positive result, you should not wait until the onset of cold season. The body must have time to form immunity to the disease, and this will take an average of a week. Therefore, you need to say a firm “yes” to vaccination against influenza 2016-2017 in September-October.

What does the flu vaccine do?

Before the advent of public vaccination in medicine, influenza was considered a difficult to cure disease and often leading to serious complications and even death. In the 19th and 20th centuries, humanity repeatedly had to face the devastating consequences of influenza epidemics, the most terrible of which, the Spanish Flu, claimed more than 20 million human lives. Today, a person may not rely on a happy coincidence of circumstances, which in case of illness will help to achieve recovery. The drugs used in modern medicine meet pharmacological requirements and, in flu-friendly seasons, significantly reduce the risk of morbidity.

What problems will the 2016-2017 flu vaccine help solve?

It reduces the risk of contracting a serious illness;
The body's defense system develops resistance to viruses in a safe way;
In case of infection, the disease occurs in a mild form and does not lead to complications;
Eliminates the epidemiological nature of influenza disease.

Composition of the 2017 flu vaccine

According to statistics, the maximum number of flu cases is recorded in winter. In order to be prepared for a possible epidemic season, world health organizations approve a list of vaccines 6-9 months in advance, the strains of which will be included in the flu shot for the new season. When choosing strains, epidemiological data on circulating forms of viruses, spreading trends, and mandatory studies for safety and effectiveness are taken into account. Influenza vaccines in 2016-2017, according to WHO recommendations, should include the following strains:

A/California/7/2009(H1N1)pdm09-like virus
A/Hong Kong/4801/2014(H3N2)-like virus
B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.

What should you remember before vaccination?

Even if the decision to get a flu vaccine for 2017 is unshakable, you should adhere to certain rules and understand that, like any other medical drug, the influenza vaccine has its contraindications.

Before vaccination, you need to be especially careful about your health. If you have a cold, even a mild one, you should postpone vaccination for at least two weeks.
The production of influenza vaccines from viral particles propagated in fertilized chicken eggs implies the possibility of a negligible chicken protein content. Therefore, the flu vaccine is contraindicated for people who are allergic to this product. As an alternative option, allergy sufferers should consider vaccination with drugs grown in cell media.
You can get a more effective effect from vaccination by first drawing up an immunogram. It will allow you to assess the real state of immunity and not undermine it in case of obvious deviations from the norm.
On the day of vaccination, it is mandatory to undergo an examination by a doctor. Only he can give final approval for the flu vaccine.

Where is the vaccine administered and is it free?

According to the National Calendar, children attending kindergarten or school, pensioners over 60 years of age and employees of educational and medical organizations have the right to free flu vaccination for 2016-2017. The rest of those who wish can be vaccinated at their own expense or at the employer’s expense, if the employer provides such an opportunity. Many organizations prefer to vaccinate employees at their own expense for economic reasons - such a preventive measure will cost the enterprise several times less than sick leave for a ward.

You can get the flu vaccine for the adult population by contacting the vaccination office of the clinic at your place of residence. Children attending educational institutions are vaccinated on site, since all the conditions for this event have been created there. A “home” child is vaccinated in a children's clinic after a preliminary examination by a pediatrician.

What to expect after the flu vaccine?

If all the necessary rules were followed before vaccination, the flu vaccine will not cause any serious consequences. Mild malaise will also be considered a normal state for the vaccinated body. Over the course of one or two days, a person may feel exhausted, aches will appear in the body, and the body temperature will rise slightly. Such sensations mean that the vaccine was successful and the body began to develop immunity to the flu. If the condition does not improve or gets worse, you should immediately consult a doctor.

We will look at the pros and cons of flu vaccinations in 2016 in this material. The debate about whether to vaccinate or not becomes more and more active every year. Doctors strongly recommend such prevention, especially for children. As for parents, many doubt it. Let's consider the main danger of the flu, why vaccinations will be a plus, but also certain moments when vaccination will rather become a minus.

It seems that the flu is a fairly common disease, especially in the off-season, and the disease is considered not dangerous and can be successfully treated, although it appears unnoticed. But you can only treat known strains of influenza this calmly. Unfortunately, every year new strains of this disease constantly appear and its treatment with traditional methods in this case often does not give the desired effect.

Important! Influenza is an acute infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. The patient's condition sharply worsens and his body temperature rises. Symptoms characteristic of influenza are weakness and migraine, withdrawal symptoms throughout the body, nausea, which is sometimes even accompanied by vomiting.

Despite the fact that the infection most often occurs in the off-season, you can get the flu at any time of the year. Although the peak and epidemic always happens in winter. At this time, children and adults spend most of their time indoors, receive little sunlight and vitamins, and their immunity sharply decreases. Children, of course, are especially susceptible to the flu.

Interesting! Children begin to get the flu after six months, when the amount of antibodies received from the mother decreases sharply and the amount of food becomes less.

What you need to know about the flu

Influenza viruses can be of three types - A, B or C. This virus can mutate and it is mutations that pose the main danger. That’s why doctors speak positively about flu vaccinations in 2016 and you don’t often hear opinions “against” from specialists. When an epidemic begins, the virus spreads extremely quickly. Throughout the year, people can get sick with group C influenza; outbreaks of group B influenza occur every 4 or even 7 years. But group A influenza occurs every few years.

Regardless of the type of virus, it will first develop in the body according to the same pattern. The virus penetrates the upper respiratory tract and, when introduced there, begins to destroy the cells of the mucous layer. The cells are then spread throughout the body by coughing and sneezing, and they can also enter the environment and infect other people.

A few hours after infection (although several days may pass depending on the type of virus), a person feels malaise, chills and pain throughout the body, muscles and joints. Then the body temperature rises, headache and cough appear. In a child, this condition often leads to seizures, which is especially frightening for parents. Having had the flu, immunity to it appears. But the virus is constantly mutating, so this infection can appear again and again.

About the advantages of vaccination

Continuing the conversation about whether to get vaccinated against the 2016 flu, the pros and cons, let's first consider the positive aspects. Firstly, it should immediately be noted that the vaccine can be inactivated or live. Live vaccines are almost never used, because the first type is considered the most advanced now, it is easy to adapt to new mutating forms of the virus.

When flu shots first appeared, their use was associated with some possible complications and side effects. It must be said that modern vaccines are completely safe. But it is, of course, impossible to predict which strain of the virus will appear this year. Therefore, there will be a positive effect from vaccination, but only on those strains of the virus that were previously known.

Interesting! The World Health Organization advocates vaccination and calls it the only reliable protection against influenza. Because a person with a vaccine becomes immune to the disease. Vaccination is especially necessary for diabetics, people with central nervous system diseases, arrhythmia and heart disease, kidney problems and blood diseases.

Are there any disadvantages?

Every doctor, when offering a flu shot, should tell the patient not only about the advantages, but also about the disadvantages of vaccination. Moreover, there are even contraindications, when you definitely don’t need to get a flu shot. First of all, this concerns individual intolerance, in particular, to preservatives and chicken egg white.

It is worth refusing this type of vaccination for chronic diseases or for acute diseases at the peak of their treatment. If a vaccination was given in the past and caused severe adverse reactions, then it is better to refuse the procedure. Diseases for which the flu vaccine is not given: dermatitis, asthma, and neurological pathologies.

If you have already decided to get vaccinated, at least two weeks must pass since your last cold. There are also generally accepted disadvantages that doctors do not talk about, but which can be found on various discussion platforms. This is the tendency of influenza to mutate. This factor has already been noted in this material: the vaccine protects only against already known strains of the virus, but if the flu mutates this year, then the vaccine will be a plus, but it is not complete protection.

It is very important to get vaccinated at a public health facility and be sure that a high-quality drug is used. Searching for cheaper prices and going to dubious companies can lead to allergic and even toxic reactions. Vaccination for a child, many doctors emphasize, is a minus, because the baby’s own immune system has not yet been fully formed.

Flu vaccine 2016: the pros and cons were discussed in this material. Should you be afraid of the flu? After the information presented in this article, you understand what it costs. Moreover, not only the known strains of influenza, from which vaccination protects, but also how many possible mutations there are.

According to WHO, the influenza virus is constantly mutating, so a number of tests are regularly carried out to identify a new strain and select effective drugs to treat the disease. The 2016/2017 influenza season is expected to begin at the end of January, but a surge in incidence is likely in late November - early December.

What flu is expected in 2016/2017

Epidemiologists believe that previously identified strains of the pathogen will continue to spread this year:

A/ California/7/2009(H1N1 ) is a subtype of swine flu, first discovered in 2009. The disease is dangerous due to severe complications, which sometimes lead to the death of the patient. The virus provokes the development of sinusitis, bilateral pneumonia, and meningitis.

A/ Hong Kong/2014(H3N2 ) - subtype of influenza strain A. The virus variant will come from Hong Kong to the countries of the Northern Hemisphere at the end of 2016. Previously, the spread of this subtype in Russia did not lead to epidemics, although epidemiologists first encountered it in 2015. Flu danger H3N2 consists of a pathological effect on the heart and blood vessels.

Yamagata virus - strain subtype B. Diagnosing the disease is difficult due to the vague symptomatic picture. WHO researchers do not classify this strain as life-threatening, since it rarely causes serious complications (only with exacerbation of chronic lung pathologies).

According to forecasts from the Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Influenza (MZORF), the disease is spreading at a moderate pace this season. Almost 40% of residents who are at risk are recommended to get vaccinated against the 2016/2017 flu. Immunization must be completed by November 1, 2016, before the start of the expected epidemic.

Influenza vaccination

Vaccination remains a reliable method of protection. This procedure is an inoculation during which the nurse administers the drug intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Vaccination is included in the list of vaccinations recommended by the national immunization calendar.

State clinics are provided with free Russian-made Grippol vaccines. Your local physician will tell you when to get the 2016/2017 flu vaccine after a preliminary examination. Influenza vaccines can be bought at the pharmacy, but in this case you should pay attention to the storage conditions of the drug (storage temperature 2-8 degrees).

An antiviral vaccine is a weakened strain of the virus and a solvent (water for injection). Sometimes the composition includes azoximer bromide, which exhibits an immunostimulating effect.

The 2016/2017 flu vaccines have the following trade names:

Influvac (Abbott Biologicals B.V., the Netherlands, the average cost of the vaccine is 2000 rubles);

Vaxigrip (Sanofi Pasteur S.A., France, cost - 600 rubles);

Inflexal V (Berna Biotech Ltd., Switzerland, cost - 450 rubles);

Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A., Belgium, cost - 560 rubles).

The drugs act equally and are approved for use in children over 6 months. Even if the vaccination is done on time, this does not mean that the vaccinated person will not get sick at all. Influenza in such people is mild, without complications. It is recommended to get the 2016/2017 flu vaccine for children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

In some regions of the country, the influenza vaccination campaign started on August 1. Therefore, those who wish can go to the clinic at their place of residence to get vaccinated. 2-3 months before the expected epidemic, the body will have time to develop strong immunity.

Useful articles:

Autumn has come - time for school, the little one has gone to kindergarten. What can be done to make children less sick? There are many options. One option is vaccinations, including the flu shot.

At the beginning of 2016, all parents were terribly afraid that their children would get the flu. Schools were closed for quarantine, many children did not go to kindergarten so as not to get sick. There was no real flu epidemic in our city, although isolated cases among children were recorded. Several children in our area were laboratory confirmed to have H1N1 swine flu. There were even deaths among adults who contracted the flu in our city. So the parents had reason to be concerned.

In order not to be afraid, I advise you to get a flu shot for yourself and your children.

The flu vaccine is included in the Russian National Code as a vaccination for epidemic indications. It is not mandatory for all children (and adults), but it is offered to everyone who wishes to do so.

In 2016, the flu vaccine arrived at children's clinics in August. In our city of Penza, flu vaccination officially began on August 30, 2016. In schools and kindergartens, mothers and fathers are encouraged to get their children vaccinated against the flu. My children have already brought home a consent (or refusal) form for vaccination. Moms have many reasons to think about whether to agree to a flu shot or refuse.

What vaccine will be used for vaccination?

Vaccine composition

The vaccine is an inactivated polymer-subunit vaccine. It does not contain the entire influenza virus, but contains only its two main antigens, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Therefore, it is impossible to get the flu while receiving the flu vaccine.

To obtain a vaccine, the required strains of influenza A and B viruses are cultivated on chicken embryos, then the viruses are destroyed, purified, and hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are isolated from them, which bind to an adjuvant (a substance that holds antigens at the injection site and allows the production of antibodies before the antigens penetrate into the bloodstream and removed from the body.

The immunomodulator polyoxidonium, a substance that stimulates nonspecific immunity, acts as an adjuvant in the influenza plus vaccine. The influenza plus vaccine does not contain preservatives.

The antigenic composition of the vaccine is changed annually, depending on the epidemic. situation and WHO requirements. The shelf life of the influenza plus vaccine is 1 year, so it is impossible to use it for vaccination next year.

In 2016, the influenza plus vaccine contains antigens of three different influenza viruses

swine flu virus antigen (influenza type A H1N1),
influenza A virus antigen (H3N2),
influenza B virus antigen.

Complete instructions for the flu vaccine plus 2016

Immunity after vaccination

According to the instructions for the vaccine, immunity after vaccination is formed in the second week after vaccination and remains for 12 months.

Polyoxidonium, which is part of the vaccine, increases its immunogenicity - the severity of the immune response, immunological memory, and allows you to reduce the dose of antigens in the drug.

So in influenza plus the dose of antigen is three times lower than in the imported vaccine Influvac (5 mg and 15 mg, respectively).

Who gets vaccinated?

Flu vaccinations with the drug Grippol Plus are allowed for children older than six months and adults of any age.

Vaccination scheme

For children from six months to three years old, the flu vaccine with the flu vaccine is given intramuscularly into the anterolateral surface of the thigh. 0.25 ml of vaccine is administered twice with an interval of 1 month.
For children over 3 years of age and adults, the vaccine is administered intramuscularly into the area of the deltoid muscle of the shoulder in a single dose of 0.5 ml.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

It is recommended to be vaccinated annually. The best time is in the fall before the flu rate begins to rise. September is the best time to vaccinate your child against the flu. There is time to develop strong immunity during the flu season. There is no increase in the incidence of ARVI among children yet. If you get a flu shot now, it should go smoothly and without complications.

Contraindications to vaccination

Allergy to chicken protein.
Allergy to a person's previous flu vaccinations.
Acute illnesses (flu vaccination is carried out after recovery).
Chronic diseases during exacerbation (flu vaccination is carried out during remission).

Reaction to vaccination

Happens on the 1st day after vaccination.
Pain, thickening, and redness may occur at the injection site.
A rise in temperature to subfebrile levels (below 38º C), weakness, lethargy is possible.
Very rarely there is a rise in temperature above 38º C, a runny nose, or a sore throat.

All reactions go away without treatment after 1-2 days.

Combination with other vaccines

Grippol plus is allowed to be administered simultaneously with any vaccinations on the national calendar, except for vaccinations against tuberculosis (and vaccinations against rabies), using different syringes in different parts of the body.

Examination before vaccination

Before vaccination, the child must be examined by a pediatrician with thermometry.

Personal observations

In our clinic we have been getting flu vaccinations for a week now. Attitudes towards these vaccinations have changed over the year. If last year almost all mothers refused vaccination, now many more mothers agree to vaccinate their children. Vaccination against influenza is progressing quite actively. The clinic vaccinates mainly children under three years of age who have not yet entered kindergarten. gardens or before registration for kindergarten. During the week I did not observe any adverse reactions to the flu vaccine.

Grippol plus and influenza

The influenza vaccine is similar in composition to influenza plus, but the influenza vaccine contains a preservative - merthiolate (influenpol plus does not have it). The influenza vaccine contains a large dose of influenza B virus antigens (11 mcg) There are no other differences in the composition of these two vaccines.

I hope you understand that flu shot you and your child need. I wish you to do it on time and not get the flu.