Source: Benxi Daily
Since Benxi City launched the free influenza vaccination work for the elderly over 60 years old on September 20, in the vaccination clinics of various township (town) health centers and community health service centers, eligible residents will come to get vaccinated every day. Scan the code, measure the temperature, queue, vaccinate, observe... the whole process is orderly, scientific and standardized. Relevant staff from Benxi Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention told reporters that this work will last until October 31. All residents who meet the vaccination conditions can receive influenza vaccination nearby without any expenses.
What is flu ? What's the difference with the common cold?
Influenza, also known as influenza , is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus. People often confuse it with the common cold.
Common colds are mainly caused by symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose and cough, and rarely have complications. Influenza is mainly caused by fever, headache, myalgia and general discomfort. The body temperature can reach 39℃-40℃. It may have chills and chills, which are often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as soreness in the muscles and joints, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It may induce serious complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, , meningitis, etc.
Unlike the common cold, influenza is a respiratory infectious disease that seriously endangers the health of the global and our country, and is mostly seasonal. According to WHO estimates, seasonal influenza can cause 3 million to 5 million severe cases worldwide each year, of which 290,000 to 650,000 people die. Its hospitalization and death mainly occur in high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, patients with chronic underlying diseases and pregnant women.
What is the epidemic situation of the flu this year?
According to monitoring data of the National Influenza Center, this summer, the influenza virus infection rate in some southern provinces of my country continued to rise. Guangdong, Jiangxi, Fujian and other southern provinces have successively issued influenza epidemic warning information.
Monitoring data from Benxi Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that in August, the detection rate of influenza virus in Benxi increased compared with the same period in previous years.
Therefore, the National Influenza Center predicts that this year, influenza may occur in both north and south of my country, and we must be wary of the risk of influenza and " new crown " combined with epidemics in autumn and winter.
Which group needs to be vaccinated with influenza?
China Center for Disease Control and Prevention "Technical Guidelines for the Prevention and Prevention of Influenza Vaccination in China (2022-2023)" clearly states: In principle, the vaccination unit should provide immunization services to all people who are ≥6 months old who are willing to get vaccinated and have no contraindications.
Benxi Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that the following groups are recommended as priority vaccination targets: medical staff, including clinical treatment personnel, public health personnel, health quarantine personnel, etc.; participants and security personnel in large-scale events; vulnerable groups and employees in nursing homes, long-term care institutions, welfare homes and other groups gathering places; people in key places, such as teachers and students from childcare institutions, primary and secondary schools, detainees and staff in prison institutions, etc.; other high-risk groups in influenza, including elderly people aged 60 and above, children aged 6 months to 5 years old, patients with specific chronic diseases, family members and caregivers of babies under 6 months of age, as well as pregnant women or women who are preparing to get pregnant during the flu season.
Why are people over 60 years old in Benxi City free?
The elderly are generally susceptible to the influenza virus and have a higher risk of serious complications, severe illness and death after infection. In addition, the global COVID-19 epidemic is still at a high epidemic level. After the autumn and winter, the risk of influenza and COVID-19 epidemic continues to increase. Influenza vaccination is the most effective and economical means to prevent influenza. It can effectively reduce the occurrence of influenza cases, avoid the dual infection of influenza and the new coronavirus, and reduce the burden on individuals, families and society.
Since 2021, Benxi City has carried out free influenza vaccination for the elderly for two consecutive years, effectively reducing the spread of influenza virus in the population, reducing the health impact of influenza and " new crown " on the elderly after the superposition of influenza, and ensuring the physical health and life safety of the people.
It is worth mentioning that this year, the age for free influenza vaccination has expanded from over 65 years old last year to over 60 years old. It is estimated that 120,000 elderly people in Benxi City will enjoy this free policy. This is an important part of the commitment of the Benxi Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government to do ten practical things for the people's livelihood, and it is also an important measure for Benxi City to continue to ensure and improve people's livelihood.
Who can enjoy free vaccination service?
All elderly people with household registration in Benxi City and age 60 or above (born before January 1, 1963) can bring their ID card or household registration book to the vaccination clinics of each township (town) health center and community health service center. After signing an informed consent form, they can receive free vaccination. The type of influenza vaccine that is free to be vaccinated this time is influenza virus lysis vaccine (trivalent).
Which elderly people cannot be vaccinated this time?
Benxi Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention Staff stressed that if you are allergic to any ingredients contained in the vaccine, or have had a history of severe allergic reactions to any influenza vaccination, and if the contraindications are clearly listed in the instructions of the vaccine manufacturer, you cannot get this influenza vaccine.
Elderly patients with acute fever, acute infection, and acute attacks of chronic diseases need to wait for the disease to be cured before they can be vaccinated.
Severe patients with various diseases, those with unwell health conditions, those with difficult contraindications, and those who have developed "Gilan-Barre" syndrome within 6 weeks after the last influenza vaccine should be vaccinated with this influenza vaccine with caution.
In addition, the vaccination interval between the influenza vaccine and the new coronavirus vaccine should be greater than 14 days, and priority should be given to the vaccination of the new coronavirus vaccine.
