Do I need flu and pneumococcal vaccinations?

Liezl Heyman, an immunologist, educates us on flu and pneumococcal vaccinations.

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Influenza or the common flu can in certain cases lead to hospitalisation and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza can affect people differently, but millions of people worldwide get flu every year, of those thousands are hospitalised and tens of thousands die from flu-related causes. 

When should I get the flu vaccine and how does it work?

Flu vaccines activate the immune system to develop antibodies about two weeks after vaccination, so it’s best to get vaccinated before the flu virus starts spreading (early fall). These antibodies provide protection against the viruses that are used to make the specific vaccine.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research shows will be most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines protect against four different flu viruses: two influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and two influenza B viruses. Some flu vaccines only protect against three different flu viruses: H1N1, H3N2 and one influenza B virus.

Some influenza vaccines are not recommended for certain age groups, people with current or previous health issues, or people with allergies to the flu vaccine or its components. 

Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s rooms, clinics, and pharmacies.

Do I need a flu vaccine every year?

A flu vaccine is needed every year for optimal protection since the protection from vaccination declines over time. Flu viruses also constantly change, and flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests may be most common during the upcoming flu season. 

Can I get seasonal flu even though I got a flu vaccine this year?

Unfortunately, you can still get flu even if you have been vaccinated since you might have been exposed to a flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two weeks it takes the body to develop antibodies. 

You could also get sick from a flu virus not included in the seasonal flu vaccine. Some people become infected with a flu virus, a flu vaccine is designed to protect against, despite getting vaccinated. 

Protection by the flu vaccine varies according to the health and age of the person getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine is not foolproof, but it’s the best way to protect against flu.

What about pneumococcal vaccines?

Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but older adults are at greatest risk of serious illness and death. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is a vaccine that targets specific types of the bacteria, Streptococcus pneumonia. It does not offer protection against viruses. 

There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: 

• PPSV23 protects against serious infections caused by 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
• PCV13 protects against ear infections and pneumonia caused by 13 different types of pneumococcal bacteria. PCV13 is currently available in the South African Extended Programme of Immunisation to infants at six weeks, 14 weeks, and nine months.

Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all children younger than two years old and all adults 65 years or older. Children younger than two years old should not get PPSV23.

Possible side effects of any vaccine

Due to the stress of having an injection, some people faint after being vaccinated. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes may help prevent this. Others experience pain in the shoulder and have difficulty moving the arm where the shot was given. Allergic reactions from a vaccine are rare (about 1 in a million shots). These types of reactions happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. Should this happen, contact your doctor immediately.

Best way to protect yourself 

An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way for all people six months and older to protect themselves against flu. 

The pneumococcal vaccine in turn is the best way to protect children under two against pneumococcal infections.