Vaccination has been recommended for decades to protect yourself against flu especially during flu season and while traveling. Flu vaccinations can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, and missed work and school due to flu and also to prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

Flu Affects Children & Their Parents

i) Children can easily catch the flu in school

ii) They then spread it to their parents, siblings and friends

iii) Flu causes children to miss school, and parents to miss work

iv) Infants and children under 5 years old are at high risk of serious flu complications

Vaccinate to Beat the Flu

i) Vaccination reduces hospitalisation by 75% and school absenteeism by 77%

ii) 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart, for children aged 6 months through to 8 years who are getting vaccinated for the first time

iii) 1 dose annually for previously vaccinated children, and their parents/childminders

Flu Reduce Your Quality of Life

i) Flu symptoms and complications are more severe for people aged 65 years and above

ii) Having one or more chronic conditions (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, heart disease) increases flu severity that may lead to death

iii) Flu complications can be difficult and expensive to treat in the elderly and people with health problems

Vaccinate to Beat the Flu

i) Vaccine effectiveness of 60-75% against mild to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, a serious lung disease)

ii) Reduce hospital admissions in diabetic, heart disease, stroke and COPD patients

iii) 1 dose per year to reduce hospitalization, treatment costs and death in seniors

Don’t Fly with Flu

i) Flu is the most frequent vaccine-preventable infection among travellers

ii) Travellers may catch the flu during long or packed flights

iii) You may also get infected by touching contaminated seats and armrests where flu viruses can survive up to 8 hours

iv) Suffering with flu may affect your business trip and vacation

Vaccinate to Beat the Flu

i) Get your vaccination annually (for continuous protection) at least 2 weeks before your trip

ii) Vaccines for the northern and southern hemispheres may be different, do consult your doctor

Prevent Flu, Complete Your Pilgrimage

i)Pilgrims are 8 times more likely to catch a respiratory infection, including influenza

ii) More than 90% of Malaysians had at least 1 respiratory symptom during their pilgrimage

iii) Flu symptoms make it harder to perform your pilgrimage under harsh conditions in the holy land

iv) Getting sick or hospitalised for flu will disrupt your pilgrimage

Vaccinate to Beat the Flu

i) Vaccine effectively reduces clinic visits for influenza-like illness by 77%

ii) Malaysian and Saudi Arabian health authorities recommend influenza vaccination for Malaysian hajj and umrah pilgrims

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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