Are flu vaccine side-effects worse this year? Questions answered about the latest flu vaccine

Flu vaccines are the need of the hour and have been increasingly advocated for, considering the time we are living in, where both flu and COVID-19 pose an active threat. While flu vaccinations happen every year, the importance of the vaccines are just as high as COVID-19 vaccines, and could save people from the terrible risks of coinfection and further complications.

Also read: Should you get a flu shot when you are sick? Or should you wait

Flu vaccines, perhaps, are also the type of vaccines which undergo routine changes to adapt better and be more effective. With right now being the most critical time for flu vaccinations, and uncertain seasonal changes spiking fears, we answer some of your questions about the efficacy, and some of the comparative effects with that of COVID-19 vaccines right now:

Flu has been circulating for many, many years, and with the advancement of science, we now have a lot of different types of vaccines available to prevent and lower the risk of flu. Just like COVID vaccines there are many types of flu vaccines available- quadrivalent, trivalent, recombinant, adjuvanted influenza vaccines, all targeted for different age ranges. As per WHO nods, the Indian Council of Medical Research recommends getting the Quadrivalent/ Tetravalent vaccines which target the influenza strains more rapidly spreading in the Northern Hemisphere.

In India, the Serum Institute currently manufactures intranasal and intramuscular-injectable vaccines against the flu, which are the most popular ones. Since different flu vaccines may suit different needs, and the availability, it's best to get a consult first and know which flu vaccine may be the most beneficial for your needs and protect against risks.

Amongst the ones who have been inoculated against the flu for this season, there's been a lot of talk about experiencing more reactions, just like with the COVID vaccines than before. While there are some who suggest that the side-effects could be in relation to the actual severe flu season in 2021, it could also happen that people are now more 'aware' and sensitized about COVID vaccination side-effects, and hence, noticing flu reactions as well. In all, be prepared to experience side-effects which could mimic flu and last for 2-3 days.

There's a negligible risk of experiencing flu vaccine side-effects in any adverse form. Since the vaccines have been thoroughly tested for years, and undergo routine safety testing, experts are yet to find any concerning side-effects which could flag off risks.

It's now well recommended that people can get the flu vaccine shots with the COVID vaccine at the same time, without any apparent safety risks. While the shots could be injected on different arms, there's a very low established risk of experiencing severe reactions, or extreme side-effects after getting both the shots. Since these are two different types of vaccines, there's no correlation between the two. What's common between the two is the type of inflammatory reactions which kick in, that could feel like a flu.

If you are sensitive to vaccinations and pain tolerance, you could feel the side-effects appearing on the higher side. However, the most common side-effects which could be expected include fever, body pain, soreness in the arms, fatigue, chills and headaches.

If you would like, you could also schedule your vaccine doses a week apart to better manage side-effects.

With the seasonal changes and arrival of winters, flu vaccines are recommended to be administered during late October or early November to dole out an effective response and safeguard health for those who may be at risk. Getting the vaccine right now will also guarantee safety from any flu risks which could stem up over the course of the next month or two, and mitigate risks of a potential third wave outbreak as well. However, the vaccine can also be received in other months as well.

While it's recommended that flu vaccines should be administered to all healthy individuals (while not a mandate), there are some people who may not wish to, or may have to follow extra precautionary steps, since they could be at risk of intense side-effects. Individuals with severely life-threatening allergies/ prior vaccination reactions / egg or vaccine-ingredient allergies may be advised to take care, and follow advised decisions with consultations.

Again, while many kids are given flu vaccines right now (with COVID-19 vaccines still not available), it is also recommended that babies below 6 months old DO NOT get the vaccine dose, since their immune systems are not in a developed state to handle vaccination and related side-effects.