Myths and Facts About the Influenza Vaccine, Recommended Every Year!

Influenza is widely known in Indonesia as a common illness experienced by people of all ages. Young or old, children, city dwellers, or villagers-everyone is at risk of contracting this disease. That’s why it’s important to take a closer look at the influenza vaccine, which helps prevent the flu from disrupting your health.

Generally, this vaccine is administered to protect individuals from catching the flu. The influenza vaccine is given routinely every year to ensure optimal protection.

Its mechanism works similarly to other vaccines-by injecting a fluid containing inactivated influenza virus, which stimulates the body to produce antibodies capable of fighting the virus.

Read also: Understanding Singapore Flu: Symptoms and Effective Treatments

A Closer Look at the Influenza Vaccine

Influenza, or the flu, is often considered a mild illness that doesn’t cause serious harm. The flu can develop into something more severe, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic or underlying health conditions.

That’s why it’s important to provide the right vaccine to everyone who needs it, reducing the risk of contracting this very common disease.

In Indonesia, the flu virus can mutate every year, making it a seasonal illness. With a humid tropical climate, the virus spreads easily through airborne droplets when infected individuals are in public spaces.

According to WHO data, influenza causes 3 to 5 million severe cases and up to 600,000 deaths annually. Among children, the risk of transmission can reach up to 30%, while for adults it ranges between 5% and 10%.

However, this does not mean you don’t need the influenza vaccine-it is still strongly recommended to be administered routinely.

How the Influenza Vaccine Works and Its Fundamental Benefits

How the Influenza Vaccine Works

As briefly mentioned earlier, this vaccine essentially works by “introducing” the influenza virus to the human immune system. The virus used is weakened or inactivated, so it poses no danger.

When the body is exposed to this weakened virus, it produces protective antibodies against similar viruses. Later, if exposed to the same virus, the body’s antibody system is ready to attack and neutralize it before it can harm your health.

Key Benefits of the Influenza Vaccine

There are at least four major benefits of getting the influenza vaccine:

• First, it helps prevent serious illness and complications caused by the influenza virus.
• Second, it protects vulnerable groups from the risk of infection.
• Third, it safeguards pregnant women and unborn babies.
• Fourth, it updates the immune system to defend against the latest influenza virus mutations.

Who Are the Main Targets for the Influenza Vaccine?

The flu vaccine can generally be given to anyone, as recommended by a doctor. However, it is specifically prioritized for certain groups based on recommendations from WHO, the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), and the Indonesian Society of Pulmonologists (PAPDI).

Priority groups for receiving the vaccine include:

• Children aged 6 months to 18 years
• Pregnant women
• Elderly individuals aged 65 and above
• Healthcare workers at high risk of contracting or transmitting the virus
• Individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease

Ideally, the vaccine should be administered annually during specific months. Some sources suggest that the best time to get the influenza vaccine is before the rainy season, ensuring optimal protection during the high-risk period.

Types of Influenza Vaccines Used

1. Inactivated vaccine contains killed influenza virus. Administered via injection and suitable for children aged 6 months, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly. Side effects are relatively minimal.
2. Live attenuated vaccine contains weakened live influenza virus and is given via nasal spray. Recommended only for healthy children and adults aged 2 to 49 years.
3. Quadrivalent vaccine provides protection against four strains of the influenza virus.

Read also: Update 2025! List of 140+ Diseases Not Covered by BPJS

Myths and Facts About the Influenza Vaccine

Thanks to Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity, myths often circulate-even about modern topics like the influenza vaccine. Here’s a quick look at some common myths and the facts behind them:

1. Myth: The Flu Vaccine Can Cause the Flu

Many people believe this statement. The fact is the flu vaccine cannot make someone catch the flu. Generally, flu symptoms do not appear because of vaccination. In rare cases, mild symptoms like the flu may occur, but this is different from having the flu.

2. Myth: The Flu Vaccine Is Ineffective

The fact is, the flu vaccine is highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting influenza, which can lead to further complications. According to CDC data, the vaccine can reduce the risk by up to 60%.

3. Myth: The Flu Vaccine Is Only for People with Weak Immunity

The fact is the vaccine can be given to anyone regardless of age or health condition. However, based on recommendations from health organizations, certain groups are prioritized.

4. Myth: Vaccine Ingredients Are Dangerous

The influenza vaccine contains weakened or inactivated virus particles. This makes it safe, as it allows the body to build a strong defense system after being “introduced” to the virus.

Extra Understanding, Optimal Protection with the Right Health Insurance

The explanation about the influenza vaccine in this article is clearly intended to help you better understand all aspects of this vaccine. This effort also aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and maintaining protection for everyone’s health condition.

In addition to getting vaccinated, protection can also be provided in other ways, such as having reliable Health Insurance from AXA Insurance Indonesia. The SmartCare Health Insurance can be the right option for this matter.

Read also: Hospitalization: Procedures and Rules You Need to Know from PT AXA Insurance

SmartCare Health Insurance is a health insurance product specifically designed to meet customers’ needs for health protection against medical expenses caused by illness or accidents. With this insurance, you will enjoy convenient healthcare services with a cashless system at AXA Insurance Indonesia’s partner hospitals or clinics.

Although it does not practically provide financial protection and care for flu conditions, AXA Insurance Indonesia truly understands the importance of knowledge about the influenza vaccine. Protection will later be provided for more severe illnesses that can be triggered by the flu virus. Therefore, review the complete explanation in the General Overview of SmartCare Insurance from AXA Insurance Indonesia, and get maximum protection for every health condition!

Referensi:

• https://www.alodokter.com/vaksin-influenza
• https://rsiakemang.id/artikel/detail?p=vaksin-influenza---cara-kerja-manfaat-dan-efek-samping
• https://www.bumame.com/news/vaksin-influenza-perlindungan-dari-penyakit-musiman
• https://primayahospital.com/anak/vaksin-influenza/
• https://www.pantai.com.my/id/medical-specialties/paediatrics/flu-vaccine-myths-facts
• https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/10-common-myths-regarding-influenza-flu-vaccine
• https://familiesfightingflu.org/flu-myths-vs-facts-debunking-common-misconceptions/
• https://bumame.com/news/mitos-atau-fakta-vaksin-influenza-perlu-diulang-tiap-tahun
• https://savamedika.co.id/vaksin-influenza-solusi-ampuh-cegah-flu-berat-dan-komplikasinya/