Q1. Where to get the flu vaccine in Dubai?
In Dubai, JTS Medical Centre has influenza vaccination available for Dh99 in their multispeciality clinic near Jumeirah Grand Mosque, Jumeirah1. Flu vaccination service is available from morning 8:30 am to evening 8:30 pm Saturday to Thursday and 9 am to 5:30 pm on Friday.
Q2. What Viruses will the flu vaccine 2020-2021 protect against?
The flu virus is a rapidly mutating virus. Based on the circulating flu viral strains the vaccine is updated annually. The flu vaccine offers protection against 3 or 4 flu viruses which research suggests will be the most common ones for that particular year.
For 2020-2021
A trivalent egg-based vaccine is recommended to contain the following strains-
-A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus (updated)
-A/Hong Kong/2671/2019 (H3N2)-like virus (updated)
-B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus (updated)
The quadrivalent egg-based one is recommended to contain –
-the three recommended viruses above, plus B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (Yamagata lineage) virus.
The quadrivalent recombinant vaccine has four strains
-A/Hawaii/70/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus (updated)
-A/Hong Kong/45/2019 (H3N2)-like virus (updated)
-B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus (updated)
-B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (Yamagata lineage) virus
Q3. When should the flu vaccine be taken?
The flu vaccine is best taken in the months of September to October. However, as long as the flu virus is in circulation it can be taken that is even in January or later.
Q4. How many flu vaccines will be available this year?
The flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers. For 2020-2021 the projected number of doses for manufacturing is between 194-198 million doses the world over. This is more than the record production of 175 million doses in 2019-2020.
Q5. Which is the risk group for flu?
Even normal healthy people can get infected and develop various complications of the influenza infection, there are a few groups who are considered particularly at risk. Those being-
- Children under 5 years- esp under 2
- People 65 years and above
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic ailments like- asthma, diabetes, chronic lung and heart diseases
Q6. What are the contraindications for a flu vaccination?
Hypersensitivity to active substances or to any component that may be present in traces such as eggs, formaldehyde, gentamycin, polysorbate 80, or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. People with a severe egg allergy must receive the vaccine in hospital settings.
Immunological response may be suppressed in a person undergoing immunosuppressant therapy.
Q7. Can the flu vaccine be given along with other vaccines?
Yes, it can be given at the same time as other vaccines. Immunization should be carried out on separate limbs.
Q8. Can the flu vaccine be taken during pregnancy or lactation?
The flu vaccine can be taken in all stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding
Flu and COVID-19
Q9. What is the difference between Flu(Influenza) and COVID-19?
Both are acute respiratory illnesses that are caused by 2 different viruses. COVID-19 is an infection caused by the new coronavirus called SARS COV-2 virus whereas influenza is caused by the flu virus. Both these viruses have similar symptoms and signs so they are best differentiated and confirmed by doing laboratory tests. Both share many similar characteristics but there are some key differences between the 2.
Similarities:
- Fever/ feverish with chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty in breathing
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Body ache / muscular pain
- Headache
- Abdominal symptoms- vomiting/diarrhea- more common in children than adults
Complications of flu- most people recover between 10 days to 2 weeks but some people can develop serious complications which may be fatal- such as pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis or rhabdomyolysis, and multi-organ failure. Other moderate complications being -sinusitis and ear infections. Flu can make other common illnesses worse for e.g it can trigger an acute episode in an asthmatic and people with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of their condition.
Differences-
Since nCOV 2 is a new virus there is still a lot to be learned. New findings are being described regularly. Other signs different from the flu virus is that it can cause anosmia and loss of taste.
Q10. Will there be flu with COVID -19 this year?
CDC believes that that could be possible. In this context, it is even more important to get a flu vaccine this year than ever before. CDC recommends that everyone above the age of 6 months take the flu shot.
Q11. Can I get both COVID 19 and the flu at the same time?
Yes, that may happen. Since the symptoms are very similar they can only be differentiated by lab tests.
Q12. Will a flu vaccine protect against COVID-19?
No, the Flu vaccine will not be protective against COVID-19. However, the flu vaccine can protect against serious flu infection resulting in complications or hospitalizations. Getting a flu vaccine is important this year than ever before. This will not only prevent flu infection but also help conserve hospital resources during the pandemic.
Q13. Should flu vaccine be given to someone infected or suspected of COVID -19?
No, flu vaccine should not be taken during the duration of a person being suspect or current infection with COVID-19. While the mild infection is not a contraindication for vaccination, vaccination visits should be deferred to avoid potential exposure to health care staff and other patients at the vaccination clinics.
In addition, prior infection with flu or COVID -19 does not protect against future flu infections. Hence, the flu vaccine is recommended on an annual basis.
Limited stock of flu vaccine only available now. If you are looking for more details or to book an appointment to get the vaccination done, kindly contact our immunization clinic on 043799954.
Reference: Flu vaccine
5 myths about the flu vaccine
Influenza-Related Questions & Answers by Topic Who Should and Who Should NOT get a Flu Vaccine