It reduces the likelihood of infection and helps limit complications and hospitalisations
Doctors:
- Annual vaccination is essential due to changing virus strains and waning immunity.
- The vaccine composition is regularly reviewed and updated.
Doctors have confirmed that the influenza vaccine is the most effective way to help prevent flu and serious complications, such as pneumonia. It also reduces disease severity and the likelihood of hospitalisation. Vaccination is particularly important for older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and those with weakened immune systems.
Speaking to Al Bayan, doctors said the vaccine can reduce the severity of illness and lower the risk of developing pneumonia or experiencing a worsening of existing chronic conditions. They noted that vaccine effectiveness varies from one season to another, depending on how well the targeted strains match the viruses in circulation, as well as the individual’s age and health status.
They explained that the influenza virus constantly changes and that vaccine-induced immunity wanes over time, making annual vaccination necessary.
Ignoring influenza can lead to pneumonia and worsen heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.
Vaccination reduces the likelihood of transmitting the infection to family members.
Dr Alya Al Dabbah, Consultant Family Medicine, said influenza is not always a passing cold, as it can lead to pneumonia, worsen heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, and, in some cases, require hospitalisation.
She explained that the vaccine does not prevent every infection, but gives the immune system a “head start” in preparing to respond to the virus. This helps the body deal with the infection more effectively when exposed to it, reduces the likelihood of becoming infected and, more importantly, lessens the severity of illness while limiting complications and the need for hospitalisation. It may also reduce the risk of death in certain groups.
She emphasised that the benefits of vaccination should not be judged solely by whether someone contracts influenza after receiving the vaccine. Protection goes beyond preventing infection; it also includes reducing the severity of illness and making the course of the disease less dangerous if infection occurs.
She added that the influenza virus changes rapidly, while the immunity provided by vaccination gradually declines over time. Consequently, international scientific and public health bodies continuously monitor circulating viruses and update the vaccine composition to match, as closely as possible, the strains expected to circulate during the upcoming season.
She said annual vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. It is particularly important for young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions, those with weakened immune systems, healthcare workers and individuals living with people who are at greater risk of influenza-related complications.
She also addressed one of the most widespread misconceptions: that the flu vaccine causes influenza. She confirmed that injectable influenza vaccines used for prevention do not contain influenza viruses capable of causing the infection.
Dr Oni Rajasekharan Nair, Consultant Internal Medicine, said one of the main reasons for recommending annual influenza vaccination is the virus’s continuous evolution, as the strains circulating can differ from one season to another.
He explained that the vaccine composition is regularly reviewed and updated to provide protection against the strains expected to circulate most widely. The gradual decline in protection over time is another reason not to rely solely on a dose received during the previous season.
He stressed that vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season and depends on several factors, including how well the vaccine matches the strains actually circulating, as well as the individual’s age and overall health. Nevertheless, it remains an important measure for reducing the risk of severe influenza.
Dr Wasan Suleiman, Consultant Family Medicine, said the seasonal influenza vaccine is an important preventive measure for reducing the impact of the disease, particularly during periods when respiratory infections become more widespread.
She emphasised that influenza is not simply a severe cold. It can cause pneumonia, worsen pre-existing heart or lung conditions and, among people at higher risk, lead to hospitalisation and serious health complications.
She stressed that the benefits of vaccination extend beyond reducing the likelihood of infection. Even if a vaccinated person contracts influenza, the vaccine can help reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of serious complications.
She added that vaccination may also help reduce days missed from school and work, as well as disruptions to family responsibilities, providing practical benefits for families in addition to its health benefits.
Waning Immunity
Dr Jadir Akbarampillil, Specialist Internal Medicine, said the influenza vaccine is an important means of strengthening protection during flu season. He emphasised that vaccination does not guarantee complete protection against infection, but can help reduce the risk of contracting the virus and, more importantly, lower the likelihood of developing severe illness or complications.
He explained that this protection is particularly important for people at greater risk of influenza-related complications. Vaccination can also help reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to family members and others in the community.
He said those most in need of vaccination include older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, as well as those with weakened immune systems.
Dr Asha Maria Xavier, Specialist Internal Medicine, said vaccination is important not only for protecting individuals themselves but also for reducing the likelihood of transmitting the infection to family members, particularly older adults, children and people with chronic conditions.
She explained that the vaccine does not prevent every infection, but reduces the risk of severe illness, complications and hospitalisation. She noted that annual vaccination remains essential because influenza strains change and immunity acquired through vaccination declines over time.
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