The 2024-2025 Seasonal Vaccination Campaign begins on September 20th, offering the safest and most effective measure to prevent Flu and Covid-19, strongly recommendation for the highest risk population.
Many will soon receive a text from their local health centre, telling them that an appointment will soon be arranged for them.
Do I need to be vaccinated every year? The answer is “yes” and we explain why.
Vaccines against Influenza and Covid-19 prevent the development of a serious illness, the need for hospitalization and even death in more vulnerable groups. The Flu virus (Influenza) is constantly evolving, which translates into the emergence of new variants. This explains why the Influenza vaccine is updated annually, with a booster dose of the vaccine every year being crucial.
The same happens with the Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2). As new strains continue to manifest themselves in circulation, studies have shown that the protection provided against SARS-CoV-2 diminishes over time. Therefore, the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine is essential to increase and prolong the individual's immunity.
With the arrival of autumn and winter, new waves of flu and Covid-19 emerge. And, therefore, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) recommends vaccinating the most vulnerable population in the seasons when these respiratory infections are more common. With an adequate immunological response, it is possible to reduce the impact of these vacancies and, thus, reduce the demand for healthcare and the likelihood of hospitalization.
Can I get vaccinated for free at the pharmacy?
In pharmacies, the administration of both vaccines is free for all people aged between 60 and 84 years and without any record of serious adverse reactions or hypersensitivity to either vaccine. In the case of Covid-19 vaccination, the same conditions apply, with the addition of the person having received, in a previous phase, an mRNA technology vaccine (sold by Pfizer or Moderna laboratories).
Vaccination is important, so don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. If you haven't already done so, schedule your vaccinations today at a pharmacy closest to you.
If I get vaccinated, will I not catch a cold this winter?
Vaccination protects us against serious and potentially fatal infectious diseases. In most individuals, vaccination alone is sufficient to avoid contracting the disease. Even so, contagion is possible, but with the added benefit of the symptoms being milder and, therefore, the appearance of serious complications being rare. Remember, by getting vaccinated you are protecting yourself and those around you and thus preventing preventable diseases from spreading in your community.
Information provided by Holon Pharmacies - visit the website to find the nearest Holon Pharmacy to you.
Written by Jéssica Silva, Farmacêutica Holon - Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com
