Breaking the flu cycle: The power of influenza vaccine
Flu vaccines have been used safely for over 60 years, with annual immunisation recommended to maintain protection.
The influenza vaccine significantly reduces the risk of flu-related medical visits, though its effectiveness varies yearly. Despite its availability, many, especially children, continue to suffer from influenza.
Instead of opting for vaccination, parents often rely on antibiotics and over-the-counter medications, which are ineffective against viral infections. This not only prolongs recovery but also contributes to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
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In Kenya, the influenza vaccine is recommended for children aged 6-23 months and adults, though it is not yet included in the national immunisation programme. It is available at healthcare facilities, clinics and pharmacies, with some initiatives offering free vaccinations.
Studies indicate that the vaccine provides moderate protection against flu-related respiratory illnesses requiring medical attention, reducing cases among vaccinated individuals compared to those who remain unvaccinated.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects millions worldwide. Annually, around one billion people contract the flu, with 3-5 million suffering severe illness.
Tragically, flu-related respiratory complications claim between 290,000 and 650,000 lives each year. Children under five in developing countries are particularly vulnerable, accounting for 99 per cent of influenza-related lower respiratory tract infection deaths.
The flu is caused by influenza viruses classified into four types: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are responsible for seasonal outbreaks, while Influenza A is the only type known to cause pandemics. The currently circulating subtypes in humans include A(H1N1)pdm09—responsible for the 2009 pandemic—and A(H3N2). Influenza B viruses belong to two lineages: B/Yamagata and B/Victoria. Influenza C is rare and usually mild, while Influenza D primarily affects cattle and does not infect humans.
Sudden fever
Flu symptoms appear 1-4 days after exposure and last about a week. The infection typically starts with a sudden fever, followed by a dry cough, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, sore throat, and a runny nose.
In some cases, the cough may persist for over two weeks. The flu spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly transmissible in crowded areas.
Flu vaccines have been used safely for over 60 years, with annual immunisation recommended to maintain protection. Though the vaccine may be less effective in older adults, it significantly reduces the severity of illness, lowers the risk of complications, and prevents flu-related deaths.
High-risk groups—including pregnant women, young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic conditions and healthcare workers—are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated each year.
The flu vaccine is recommended once every year. This is because influenza viruses constantly change, and the vaccine is updated yearly to match the most common circulating strains.
Simple hygiene practices
Beyond vaccination, simple hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of influenza. Regular handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, proper tissue disposal, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are effective preventive measures. Staying home when feeling unwell also helps limit transmission.
Most flu cases resolve without medical intervention, with rest, hydration, and fever management being sufficient for recovery. However, severe cases—especially in high-risk groups—require medical attention.
The World Health Organisation’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) monitors flu virus resistance to antiviral drugs, ensuring effective treatment strategies. Flu vaccines are updated regularly to match circulating strains, with options including inactivated injectable vaccines, recombinant vaccines, and live attenuated nasal spray vaccines.
Influenza remains a major cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI), leading to significant illness, deaths, and economic strain worldwide.
In Kenya, children under two years face the highest rates of flu-related hospitalisations, yet the vaccine is not included in the Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunisation (KEPI).
To assess the feasibility of a national flu vaccination programme, a demonstration project was conducted in Nakuru and Mombasa counties between 2019 and 2021. The study examined vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among caregivers of children aged 6-23 months.
Concerns
Despite strong evidence supporting vaccination, uptake remains low due to concerns over safety, necessity, and the increasing number of childhood vaccines. Misinformation, especially amplified by social media and the Covid-19 pandemic, has further fuelled vaccine hesitancy.
The study involved eight focus group discussions (FGDs) and 12 key informant interviews (KIIs) across the two counties.
Among 93 FGD participants (48 men and 45 women) with children averaging 18 months old, 70 per cent reported that their children had received the flu vaccine.
The KIIs included nine female and three male healthcare providers from dispensaries, health centres, and sub-county hospitals, all of whom had tertiary-level education and were aged between 25 and 55 years.
The findings highlight the need for greater awareness and trust in influenza vaccination to support broader immunisation efforts in Kenya.
While influenza vaccination is available in Kenya, its uptake remains low due to trust issues, misinformation and perceived risk. To improve vaccine acceptance, targeted awareness campaigns, community engagement, and leveraging trusted healthcare providers are essential. Integrating the flu vaccine into national immunisation programmes could help protect vulnerable populations, reduce flu-related complications, and enhance public health outcomes.
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