The most effective way to prevent seasonal flu this is vaccination with an influenza vaccine that, when administered correctly and in a timely manner, protects against transmission of the influenza virus, helps protect against serious complications of influenza and, as a result, reduces absenteeism from work, school, and any other social gatherings, his circular notes. Ministry of Health caretitled “Seasonal Influenza Guidelines 2022-2023. – Vaccination against influenza.

Since every year and due to the fact that the influenza virus mutates into different subserotypes, for the period 2022-2023. The flu vaccine contains approved strains of the virus in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

Cocirculation with SARS-CoV-2

The circular notes that it is expected that during the upcoming 2022-2023 influenza season. the influenza virus will circulate along with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease. COVID-19.

This particular moment calls for the most comprehensive influenza vaccination in the coming period, with priority given to those in high-risk groups.

The goal is to reduce the chance of being infected with both viruses at the same time, which can make patients sicker, and also to reduce the burden on health services and, in particular, intensive care units, so that they can better respond to a possible increase in demand.

Vaccination Recommendations

According to the National Vaccination Program of our country, influenza vaccination should be applied systematically and primarily to persons (adults and children) who belong to the following high-risk groups:

1. People aged 60 and over

2. Children (6 months and older) and adults with one or more of the following aggravating factors or chronic diseases: Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Heart disease with severe hemodynamic disturbances. Immunosuppression (hereditary or acquired). Organ transplantation and bone marrow transplantation. Sickle cell anemia (and other hemoglobinopathies). Diabetes mellitus or other chronic metabolic disease. Chronic kidney disease. Chronic liver disease. Neurological-neuromuscular diseases. down syndrome

3. Pregnant women, regardless of the gestational age, lactating and lactating women.

4. People with morbid obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m2) and children with BMI >95thETH.

5. Children taking aspirin for a long time (for example, with Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).

6. People who are in close contact with children under 6 months of age or who care for or live with people with an underlying illness that increase the risk of flu complications.

7. Closed populations, such as full-time and full-time students (schools, military and police schools, special schools, etc.), recruits, chronically ill institutions and housing blocks for the elderly, detention centers.

8. Employees of healthcare institutions (medical and paramedical personnel, other employees, students of medical specialties undergoing clinical practice) and centers for the placement of immigrant refugees.

9. Homeless.

10. Veterinarians, poultry farmers, pig farmers, breeders, slaughterers and ordinary people who systematically come into contact with birds or pigs.

Vaccine Instructions

The flu vaccine should be given well in advance of the normal flu season as it takes about 2 weeks for the immune response to develop. It is desirable that the vaccination be completed at least 4-6 weeks before the start of the annual flu epidemic in Greece (ie mid to late November). In addition, vaccination continues throughout the flu season for people who are eligible for vaccination but have not been vaccinated on time.

Influenza vaccination usually includes only one dose of the vaccine per year. It is noted that infants and children under 9 years of age who are vaccinated for the first time, or who <9 ετών που στο παρελθόν είχαν λάβει μόνο 1 δόση εμβολίου γρίπης χρειάζονται 2 δόσεις αντιγριπικού εμβολίου με μεσοδιάστημα τουλάχιστον 28 ημερών. Σε βρέφη ηλικίας >= 6 months inject 0.5 ml (full dose) according to the instructions of official European or other drug agencies (FDA, EMA, etc.).

Co-administration with coronavirus vaccine

The flu shot can be done even on the same day as the coronavirus shot, but in different anatomical areas, as well as on any other day before and after the coronavirus shot.

Time limits for administering influenza vaccine due to COVID-19 infection:

Asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic patients with a positive laboratory test for COVID-19 should receive an influenza vaccine after isolation is completed.

Asymptomatic people who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and have a negative laboratory test can be vaccinated in the usual way.

Patients with symptoms of COVID-19 infection should delay vaccination until isolation is complete and symptoms have resolved.

Influenza Vaccine Recipe

Each medical prescription containing influenza vaccine is issued strictly in accordance with the recommendations of the National Immunization Program and must be electronic. Handwritten prescriptions for influenza vaccines are issued only in the following cases: To insured persons who have not joined the Electronic Prescription system. Citizens (tourists) from countries outside the European Union, as well as European citizens who do not have an EEKA (European Health Insurance Card). Immigrants who, for various reasons, have not received an AMKA or Alien Provisional Insurance and Health Care Number (PAAUPA). A handwritten prescription for the above cases will be registered in the e-prescription system by the pharmacy where it is dispensed, in accordance with the IDIKA instructions, and will meet the same criteria that apply to an e-prescription of influenza vaccines.