Influenza vaccines

Influenza vaccines, commonly known as flu vaccines, are designed to help protect individuals against seasonal influenza viruses that can cause respiratory illness ranging from mild symptoms to serious complications, especially in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions. These vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific influenza strains expected to circulate during the flu season, helping reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and transmission. Flu vaccines are updated regularly to match circulating virus strains and are commonly administered annually in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, workplaces, and vaccination programs. Most influenza vaccines are inactivated or non-live vaccines and are generally well tolerated, with mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever. Proper storage at 2°C to 8°C under cold-chain conditions is essential to maintain vaccine quality and effectiveness.