Dr. Ana Miljanovic speaks for Telegraf and reveals who should get the seasonal flu shot, and who should not

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Vaccination against seasonal flu is starting in Serbia. Globally, about one billion people get the flu every year, while 650,000 of that number end up dying, and according to the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control getting the flu shot prevents 105,000 hospitalizations annually.

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Considering that these numbers are really big, it is clear how important seasonal flu vaccination is for everyone.

However, many do not know whether they are good candidates for vaccine and whether they should receive it at all. Epidemiologist Dr. Ana Miljanovic, head of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, answers these questions for Telegraf.

"Persons older than 65 years, chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular patients, patients with kidney diseases, as well as pregnant women, should receive the vaccine. Receiving the flu vaccine is also recommended to employees in social welfare and health care institutions," says Dr. Ana Miljanovic.

She adds that people who have organ or tissue transplants should also receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

"In fact, all persons older than six months with these disorders should receive the seasonal flu vaccine," Dr. Ana Miljanovic tells Telegraf.

Also, the doctor notes, according to epidemiological indications, persons living in social welfare institutions, as well those working there, should get the shot.

When it comes to people who should not receive the vaccine, the doctor explains that these are those for whom all vaccines are contraindicated, those allergic to the composition of the vaccine, people whose health is seriously deteriorated, those running a fever, but also people with acute infections.

Dr. Miljanovic stresses that the body needs three weeks to acquire immunity after receiving the vaccine.

"The vaccine provides immunity for six months, which is actually how long the flu season lasts. People who receive the vaccine are completely protected from seasonal flu," Dr. Ana Miljanovic concluded.

(Telegraf.rs)