Seasonal flu: vaccines available

The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs is launching its seasonal flu vaccination campaign. 

Seasonal flu is dangerous for the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, particularly those who suffer from chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions. 

The flu virus is very easily transmitted by coughing and on our hands. 

Vaccination is the only truly effective protection against flu. Given as winter approaches, it can stop you from becoming ill and passing the virus to your loved ones. 

The vaccine which protects against the flu viruses expected to be seen in 2017/2018 has been available in pharmacies for the last few days. 

To be effective, the vaccine must be administered before flu viruses begin to circulate (generally from the end of October), so that the body can produce the right antibodies and protect itself. 

Vaccines are given on prescription and there are few contraindications with the exception of acute infections, but you should talk to your general practitioner who will prescribe the vaccine.  

The flu vaccine offers protection for one year because the viruses change every year. The previous year’s vaccine thus offers only partial and unreliable protection. Side effects are rare and not serious (slight pain where the vaccine was administered, mild flu-like symptoms which disappear in a day or two). 

In the Principality of Monaco, the cost of the vaccine is fully reimbursed for those covered by health insurance organisations.