What is New For 2021 ?
A few things are different for this year 2021:
- It is expected that this winter’s flu epidemic will be worse than usual because Covid-19 and the lockdown has meant that fewer people have developed a natural immunity to the virus.
- The composition of the Flu Vaccine has been updated
- All Flu Vaccines are Quadrivalent (four Components) This means they offer protection against 4 variants of the Flu Virus
- The Flu Vaccine and the COVID-19 Vaccines can safely be given at the same time.
Why should you be vaccinated against the flu virus?
Influenza is a potentially dangerous virus which can not only lead to feeling very unwell, it leads to hospitalization and in some cases death. Millions of people suffer every year from the ever changing flu virus. People can be affected very differently; from feeling unwell for a few days requiring those days off work, to more serious symptoms.
Complications of flu include bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, along with worsening medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the BEST way to protect against the flu virus.
Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risks of illness, hospitalisation and flu-related deaths. Even if you get a flu-related illness it is likely that the severity will be significantly reduced after vaccination.
Who should be vaccinated against the flu virus?
1) If you are over the age of 50
2) If you have certain health condition such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart disease, kidney disease, being very overweight (a body mass index of 40 or above) or reduced immunity (e.g. HIV, receiving cancer treatment, transplant patients)
3) If you are pregnant
4) if you are a Frontline Worker or caring for a vulnerable person.
How quickly does it work?
It can take 10-14 days to provide full protection.
Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?
The vaccine does not contain live virus, so it cannot give you the flu.
Some people have a mild temperature and muscle aches for a day or two after the injection.
How Much Does the Vaccine Cost ?
35 Euros Per Person
How Do I Get My Vaccine?
2) Or call the clinic during opening hours (09.30-18.30 Mon-Fri) on 952 81 7425 to fix an appointment
3) Or visit Atlantic Clinic: Calle Califa 8, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella
OTHER VACCINES FOR ADULTS.
If you are over 65 years, or are at risk with some of the health conditions above, you should have the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. This is normally given once only, except in high risk patients, when a booster is given after 5 years. The cost is 50 euros
UPDATE 08/10/2021: There is currently a shortage of the pneumococcal 23 vaccine in Spain, and it is not available at present. As soon as it becomes available this blog will be updated to inform you.
If you are over 50 years you may be advised to have the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine even if you have already had shingles or think you have never had chicken pox. You can speak to your doctor about the indications for this. The cost is 200 euros.
In Spain it is recommended to have a Diphtheria/Tetanus booster from the age of 65 years. The cost is 40 euros.
All these vaccines can safely be given at the same time, or at different times.
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| Dr Crichton-Smith (family doctor) | Sarah Hartley (nurse) |
