Influenza – to vaccinate or not?

The word flu is commonly used as a catch-all for types of colds or flu-like diseases. “Real” flu, however, is caused by the influenza virus. It often feels similar to a cold, but its symptoms, such as headaches and aching limbs, can be much more severe. It is often accompanied by a high temperature of 38°C to 40°C, or even higher.

It is possible to get vaccinated against the flu. Each year, the types of circulating influenza viruses vary; some are more virulent, others less so, so the protective effect of the flu vaccine also varies from year to year, but it doesn’t protect against colds. That’s why opinions on the flu vaccine vary strongly. 

Based on scientific studies, the Harding Center for Risk Literacy at the University of Potsdam has summarised the potential benefits and adverse effects of the flu vaccination for healthy adults and older persons:

Healthy adolescents and adults

Of every 100 healthy adolescents and adults who did not receive a flu vaccination, between 2 and 10 people became infected with the influenza virus within one flu season. Between 1 and 4 of every 100 people vaccinated became infected during this period. As with any vaccination, redness, soreness and swelling may be experienced at the site of injection. For every 100 people vaccinated, 1 suffered from a temporary fever and 6 from muscle pain as a result of the vaccination.

Older persons

On average, 10 out of every 100 people over the age of 65 who did not receive a flu vaccination suffered from flu-like symptoms over the course of one season. For vaccinated people, this figure was 6 out of 100. Older people who have a pre-existing heart condition can be protected from hospitalisation by the flu vaccination, as an influenza infection can exacerbate pneumonia or even worsen pre-existing heart disease. About 10 out of every 100 vaccinated older adults complain of temporary arm pain.