The importance of getting a flu vaccine every year

Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of getting sick by 40-60%, but it usually takes at least two weeks to take effect.

Tầm quan trọng của việc tiêm vaccine cúm hằng năm

Flu vaccination is an effective measure to prevent infection. (Source: Pixabay)

During flu season, one of the most effective ways to prevent infection is to get vaccinated. According to research, people who have been vaccinated against the flu have a 26% lower risk of being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and a 31% lower risk of dying from the flu than those who have not been vaccinated.

Typically, the flu vaccine protects you against four types of viruses: two types of influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and two types of influenza B viruses.

However, according to Health , the flu vaccine cannot protect you from the disease immediately and needs time to take effect.

"It takes at least about two weeks after vaccination for your body to create enough antibodies to protect you from the flu," said Jean Moorjani, MD, a pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital (USA).

The flu can still get to you during this waiting period, so try to get vaccinated before the end of October. Flu season ramps up from December to February.

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary. This depends in part on age, health status, and how well the vaccine viruses match the circulating strains (which can reduce the risk of getting the flu by 40-60%). People who get the vaccine but do get the flu tend to have less severe symptoms.

The 2025 flu season in many countries is becoming more severe due to the spread of dual epidemics, the circulation of many influenza virus strains, including highly pathogenic strains, and low vaccination rates.

Several countries around the world are experiencing what experts say is an unusual flu season, with unusually high rates of positive tests and hospitalizations. Many medical facilities are overwhelmed by severe cases.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. Although influenza is common, it can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Getting vaccinated against the flu is especially important for people who are at risk for serious complications. High-risk groups include people who are 65 years of age or older or have chronic lung disease, asthma, or kidney disease.

In addition to vaccination, it is important to take other preventive measures, including getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, sticking to an exercise schedule, and washing hands with soap regularly.

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