Have you got a flu vaccine? – FHI

More than 900,000 Norwegians are over 65 years old. Today, fewer than half are vaccinated against influenza.

"With this text message from the Minister for Public Health, we hope that more older people will get the vaccine to protect themselves against serious influenza illness," says director of Karoline Bragstad, Department of Public Health.

SMS

The SMS message is as follows:

«Hello! Have you got a flu vaccine? Everyone is recommended at the age of 65. Contact your doctor and read more www.fhi.no. Greetings State Council Åse Michaelsen»

For example, people referred to as contacts for seniors may have received the SMS even if they do not belong to the 65-80 age group. People who do not have access to digital communication with authorities will not receive the SMS.

It is obvious to the individual if someone follows the advice of the minister and will take a vaccine or not.

"For many healthy elderly people, it may not be necessary to get a vaccine, but flu can weaken health and depend on health care for a long time after the infection has passed. Therefore, it may be a good idea to get the vaccine in time before the start of the season, Bragstad wins.

Where can you get a vaccine?

Individuals in the risk groups for serious influenza illness are entitled to a reduced-dose vaccine. Apart from the age of 65, this is a group of chronic diseases.

It is the responsibility of the municipality to organize a vaccination offer for the risk groups. In most municipalities, vaccination is organized by taking a doctor to your doctor. Some municipalities also have days of municipal vaccination or other arrangements.

Check to see if the municipality where you store has published information on influenza vaccination on their websites.

It is not possible to reserve vaccination at the National Institute of Public Health.

An influenza vaccine is provided

The influenza vaccine usually provides 6 of the 10 vaccinated complete flu protection. The choice of good protection you have will vary depending on age, good health and the type of influenza virus that spreads to the population.

If you suffer from flu despite being vaccinated, your symptoms may be softer and last less than if you are not vaccinated. The vaccine reduces the risk of severe flu, hospitalization and death.

"For a quarter of a year, hundreds of millions of people are vaccinated against influenza, so we know the vaccine so badly and we know what it can do," said Bragstad.

It is very rare that the seasonal influenza vaccine has serious side effects. Most of the side effects are mild and transient, such as swelling, redness or tenderness in the sting. Up to 1 in 10 may have a mild disorder 1-2 days after vaccination. This is not a flu illness, but your immune system responds to the vaccine. The vaccine does not contain enough that can cause infection.