Flu Vaccine Archives - Alpha Pharm

Every year the influenza or flu vaccine is made available to help protect you and your loved ones from contacting the flu or influenza virus.

The flu vaccine can offer some protection from contacting the flu but does not fully protect you from catching it. The flu vaccine is available to most people under the age of 65 years. In certain instances, certain groups of people are cautioned from getting the flu vaccine and that decision is made by your medical practitioner.

The group or people include:

Children 6 months and younger

people who have experienced a very bad reaction to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients

those with egg or mercury allergies

Vaccination Process

Should you wish to get yourself and family vaccinated, you may do so at selected Alpha Pharm Pharmacies in your community by making use of our Pharmacy Locator

The pharmacist or Alpha Clin clinic nursing sister will discuss the vaccine, different types of flu vaccines and what the benefits of getting the vaccine are. This is done to ensure you understand the benefits of the vaccine and as to what level of protection you would have.

Some benefits include:

Flu Prevention

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “receiving the influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent yourself from becoming sick with the flu.”

Feeling less sick

“It’s still possible to get the flu after vaccination. If you do get sick with the flu, your symptoms may be milder if you got the vaccination.”

Post Vaccination

Once you have gotten the vaccination, you may experience some pain at the vaccination site and may also experience some flu like symptoms – this varies from person to person. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to start working and there is a chance you may still get the flu within this period.

It is also encouraged that in conjunction to the flu vaccine, vitamins and immune boosters offer an additional layer of protection against seasonal flu. You should consult with your Alpha Pharm pharmacist during the vaccination process as to which vitamins and immune boosters you and your family should be taking.

Make a booking online today to get vaccinated

Health Tips Medicine

2021 Flu Vaccinations

by admin on March 29, 2021 0

The power to prevent the flu begins with YOU

Every year, the influenza virus causes epidemics of flu in communities throughout the country. This year may be especially burdensome due to the COVID-19 pandemic happening at the same time.

The flu shot, also known as the influenza vaccine, is a safe and effective way that helps prevent you from getting seasonal flu. Symptoms of the flu can range from mild to life-threatening.

Typical cases of the flu can last from three to five days with a cough lingering for up to three weeks.Flu symptoms include the following:

● A quick onset of feeling ill

● Fever/chills

● Fatigue

● Muscle/body aches

● Sore throat

● Cough

● Headache

Some people (often children) may also experience a stuffy nose, vomiting or diarrhoea. Also, it's important to note that not everyone will necessarily experience a fever with the flu.Who should get the Flu Vaccine?The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, including:

● Pregnant women

● Older adults

● Young children

Chronic medical conditions also can increase your risk of influenza complications. Examples include:

● Asthma

● Cancer or cancer treatment

● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

● Cystic fibrosis

● Diabetes

● HIV/AIDS

● Kidney or liver disease

● Obesity

Anyone with a chronic medical condition should get the flu vaccine.Who shouldn't get the Flu Vaccine?The influenza vaccine is very safe, although there are some groups of people that shouldn’t get it. They include:

● children less than 6 months of age

● people who have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients

● those with egg or mercury allergies

● those with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

Other Benefits of Flu Vaccine

Influenza is associated with higher rates of complications, hospitalisations and even death in individuals living with non-communicable diseases compared to the general population.

For example, people with asthma and COPD suffer from more severe breathing problems if they contract a respiratory infection such as influenza; those with diabetes–and pregnant women–are more likely than others to be hospitalised when they have flu; while the risk of stroke and heart attacks is increased three-and five-fold. Flu shots also allow the development of community immunity. If enough people get the vaccine, the flu is unable to spread rapidly through communities. As a result, people in high risk groups are less likely to get the flu. Flu shots are, therefore, important for protecting others from severe illnesses.

Protect the circle of life and the moments that matter the most by getting the flu vaccine today! Flu vaccines now available at a trusted Alpha Pharm Pharmacy in your community. Visit Our Facebook page @AlphaPharmOfficial or www.alphapharmacies.co.za for more info.

Tag: Flu Vaccine

Understand The Flu Vaccine 2022