The flu vaccination campaign, which started on April 12th and will continue through July 9th, is already offering immunization to children from 6 months to 6 years old, health professionals, indigenous people, pregnant women, and others who are in the priority group.

This time, the elderly are not in the first priority group because many have recently been vaccinated against Covid-19 and have to wait a number of days before receiving another immunization. Check your city’s vaccination schedule to determine what the order of priorities is. Vaccines are available free of charge through Brazil’s universal healthcare system (SUS).

According to the Ministry of Health, flu vaccination is important because it is the most effective way to prevent serious cases and deaths. Additionally, getting the flu vaccine at this time of the pandemic decreases the number of cases in which a patient is infected with Covid-19 and the flu at the same time – which could make the condition more serious. Vaccination against influenza also helps reduce the burden on hospitals, as the more people are immunized against the disease, the less people need medical care.

The goal is to vaccinate 90% of each of the priority groups. In total, 80 million flu vaccines have been produced for 79.7 million people. The Butantan Institute, which also produces CoronaVac (one of the Covid-19 vaccines used in Brazil), has been responsible for manufacturing these vaccines.

Covid-19 x Flu Shot

The Covid-19 vaccine does not protect against flu – nor does the flu vaccine protect against Covid-19. Currently as the two campaigns are taking place, the Ministry of Health recommends the following:

– Those who have received the Covid-19 vaccine should wait at least 14 days after the second dose before receiving immunization against the flu.

– People who are already eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine should prioritize vaccination against the new coronavirus.

– People who suspect they might have Covid-19 should wait until they are fully recovered or at least 28 days after feeling any symptoms before they are vaccinated against the flu. Those who are asymptomatic should wait 28 days after testing for the new coronavirus to get the flu shot.

Questions

1) Why are the elderly not in the first priority group for the influenza vaccine?

a) Because many have gotten the Covid-19 vaccine and need to wait a few days before getting another shot

b) Because the Covid-19 vaccine already protects against the flu

c) Because the flu is not dangerous for them

d) Because they were already vaccinated against the flu in January

2) Why do you think influenza vaccination is important?

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