The seasonal flu vaccine prevented more than 40,000 flu-associated deaths in the United States during a nine-year period from 2005-2006 through 2013-2014, according to estimates in a new study published in March in the journal Vaccine.
This estimate represents a little less than a one-quarter (22%) reduction in the deaths that would have occurred in the absence of flu vaccination during that time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated previously that seasonal flu-associated deaths in the US range between 3,000 and 49,000 people each year.
While there are no comparable statistics in South Africa, doctors agree that vaccination is an effective preventative tool.
Another new study, by the London School Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK (published in the journal PLOS Biology in January 2015), shows that while children can catch flu every other year, adults aged 30 and older only contract the virus roughly twice every 10 years.
Researchers found that flu infection is actually much less common than some people think, and that the flu strains we encounter early in life can activate stronger immune responses than the strains we come across later in life. See here for more on this study.
Get Vaccinated at one of 400 Clicks Pharmacies
A strong immune system is a vital prevention measure against viruses. Getting the flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to boost your immunity and protect your family against infection.
Book an appointment for a flu vaccination at a Clicks Clinic by calling 0860 254 257 or follow the link to the online booking portal: clinicbookings.clicks.co.za
The good news is that most medical aids now cover the flu vaccination and sometimes even reward members. Contact your medical aid scheme for eligibility.
Take note that the following people cannot get vaccinated:
- Babies younger than 6 months
- Anyone allergic to eggs
- Anyone who already has a fever
- Anyone who has shown a past reaction to a vaccine
We have increased our flu vaccination footprint to over 400 Clicks pharmacies. See the list of Clicks pharmacies here.
For more info visit clicks.co.za/fighttheflu or speak to your Clicks pharmacist.
Shop now at Clicks.co.za for cold and flu remedies
To help you ward off colds and the flu, or recover from them, Clicks pharmacists have selected the most trustworthy and affordable products for you to purchase online. These include a wide range of vitamins and supplements and cough, cold and flu remedies.