Lesson 4: Why is an annual vaccination essential?

Lesson 4: When is the flu the flu, and why is an annual vaccination essential?

Learning Objective 3: Understand why the influenza vaccine is needed on an annual basis

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Transcript

Why is the flu shot needed every year?

Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and the body’s immune response to the influenza vaccine may not continue to be effective beyond a year. A new vaccine is made each year to target the changes in the influenza virus.

Vaccination against influenza helps to reduce our risk of getting sick and developing serious illness and complications if we are exposed to the flu virus.

Why is the flu shot needed every year?

The flu shot will help protect ourselves and others every year by:

Preventing us from getting very sick from flu-related complications

Protecting people close to us as we are less likely to spread the virus to others

Reducing the overall burden on the health care system during respiratory virus season 

Reducing your chances of being infected with the flu and other respiratory viruses at the same time, which could lead to serious complications 

VIDEO - The Influenza Problem

Dr. Bram Palache - Influenza Scientist and Co-Founder of the European Scientific Working Group (ESWI)

Dr. Palache talks about the importance of receiving the influenza (flu) vaccine every year.