{"id":241396,"date":"2025-06-10T09:06:21","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T09:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=241396"},"modified":"2026-03-24T11:06:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T11:06:55","slug":"vaccine-everything-to-know-about-the-influenza-vaccine-its-importance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/vaccine-everything-to-know-about-the-influenza-vaccine-its-importance\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything To Know About the Influenza Vaccine & Its Importance\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
What is the Influenza Vaccine?<\/a><\/li>
Types of Influenza Vaccines<\/a><\/li>
Why is the Influenza Vaccine Important?<\/a><\/li>
Who Should Get Vaccinated?<\/a><\/li>
When and How Often to Get the Flu (Influenza) Shot<\/a><\/li>
How the Vaccine is Given<\/a><\/li>
Safety and Possible Influenza Vaccine Side Effects<\/a><\/li>
Can You Catch the Flu Even After the Shot?<\/a><\/li>
When to See a Doctor<\/a><\/li>
Conclusion<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSeasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it causes about one billion infections worldwide (including both symptomatic and asymptomatic), resulting in 3 to 5 million severe cases and nearly 290,000 to 650,000 deaths related to respiratory complications each year ^{1<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
While many individuals recover without complications, influenza can lead to serious health outcomes, especially among those with existing medical conditions or weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it may even result in pneumonia, sepsis, or a worsening of chronic diseases ^{1<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Flu vaccinations<\/strong><\/a> that are both safe and effective have been used for more than 60 years. They continue to be the best defence against influenza and its consequences^{2<\/sup><\/a>. This article explores everything you need to know about the influenza virus vaccine, from how it works to who should get it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>What is the Influenza Vaccine?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wondering what is influenza vaccine used for?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The influenza vaccine<\/strong><\/a>, commonly known as the flu shot, is a preventive measure designed to protect against infection from influenza viruses. It works by stimulating the body\u2019s immune system, particularly the antibody-mediated response, and in some cases, cell-mediated immunity to produce antibodies that target the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins on the virus surface, without causing an illness. This helps the body recognise and fight off the virus if exposed later^{3<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Influenza vaccines are available in various forms, including inactivated influenza vaccine, nasal spray, as well as recombinant options ^{4<\/sup><\/a>. These types will be discussed in detail in the following section.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Types of Influenza Vaccines<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Influenza vaccines for adults and children are available in different forms. The main types include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis is the most common form of the flu vaccine, which is grown inside an embryonated egg (typically a chicken or hen\u2019s egg)^{4<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Inactivated influenza vaccine<\/strong><\/a> also includes other forms such as^{4<\/sup><\/a>:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
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High-dose vaccines (for those 65 years and older, containing 4 times more antigen to trigger a stronger immune response)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Adjuvanted vaccines (contain an ingredient to boost immune response; also, for older adults)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cell-based vaccines (grown in mammalian cells instead of eggs, reducing egg exposure; <\/em>however they may still use egg-derived reference strains, so may not be entirely egg-free in all cases)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>