Q1: What kind and brand is the vaccine?

A: The flu vaccine provided is a quadrivalent influenza vaccine in pre-filled syringes. The brands used are Influvac Tetra and Vaxigrip Tetra, both of which protect against four influenza virus strains.

Q3: Where can I avail of the flu vaccine?

A: It can be availed at all Maxicare Primary Care Clinics (PCC).

Q5: Can I still get the flu vaccine if I’ve recently received another type of vaccine?

A: Yes, you can. Just make sure there’s at least a 14-day gap before or after your flu vaccination and the other vaccine. Receiving the flu vaccine will not affect the effectiveness of the other vaccine.

Q7: Do I really need a flu vaccine every year?

A: Yes. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions. This is because a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccination is needed to get the optimal protection against the flu. Additionally, flu viruses are constantly changing, so the vaccine composition is reviewed each year and updated as needed.

Q9: Would I still get sick if I had already received a flu vaccine?

A: There are several reasons why someone might get flu symptoms, even after they have been vaccinated against the flu.

1. 1. One reason is that some people can become ill from other respiratory viruses besides flu such as rhinoviruses which are associated with the common cold and cause symptoms similar to flu and also spread and cause illness during the flu season. The flu vaccine only protects against the flu, not other illnesses.
   2. Another explanation is that it is possible to be exposed to flu viruses shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period after vaccination, that it takes the body to develop immune protection. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with the flu before protection from vaccination takes effect.
   3. A third reason is that they may have been exposed to a flu virus that is very different from the viruses the vaccine is designed to protect against. The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the similarity or “match” between the viruses selected to make the vaccine and those spreading and causing illness. There are many different flu viruses that spread and cause illness among people.
   4. The final explanation for experiencing flu symptoms after vaccination is that flu vaccines vary in how well they work, and some people who get vaccinated still get sick. When that happens, though, several studies have shown that vaccination reduces the severity of illness in those people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

Q11: What are the expected side effects of the flu vaccine?

A: The most common side effects that you may experience from the vaccine are:

• Fever
• Pain at the injection site
• Redness and hardness of the skin at the injection site
• Headache
• Muscle aches or joint aches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Chills

Q13: Is a medical clearance needed for those with chronic health conditions?

A: Generally, a medical clearance is not needed for individuals with chronic health conditions getting the flu vaccine. However, there are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without initially consulting with their doctor. These include:

• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with or without a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated)
• People with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving the influenza vaccine.

Q15: Can I avail of this even without registering?

A: Yes, walk-ins will be accommodated if the member is qualified to receive the vaccine benefit and if there is an available vaccination slot. The member will have to register through the PCC link to ensure that the vaccine availment is properly recorded and the screening is completed.

Q17: What is the requirement for pediatric patients?

A: Children six (6) months and older can get the flu vaccine; those under nine (9) may need two (2) doses if it’s their first time. The child must be well, with parental consent, no severe allergies to the vaccine, and no history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. You may also further consult with your pediatrician.