Flu vaccine key to reducing severe winter illness, says GP
Local doctor encourages annual flu vaccination as winter approaches to protect individuals and communities from influenza.
POLOKWANE – As the colder months approach, healthcare professionals are urging residents to take a simple yet powerful step to protect their health: get the annual influenza vaccine.
Local general practitioner Dr Mabowa Makhomisane, a family physician and diabetologist, says the flu vaccine remains one of the most effective tools in preventive medicine.
“The flu is often underestimated. Many people think of it as just a bad cold, but influenza can lead to severe complications, hospitalisation, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations.”
Who should get vaccinated
Makhomisane highlights that certain groups benefit most from vaccination.
These include adults over 60, children under five, individuals with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and healthcare workers or caregivers.
“Vaccinating during pregnancy not only protects the mother but also provides immunity to the newborn in those first critical months of life,” he said.
Vaccine safety and side effects
He also reassures the public that the vaccine is safe and cannot cause influenza.
“At most, you might experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or slight fatigue, but these are temporary and far less severe than the flu itself,” he said.
Community protection through vaccination
Beyond individual protection, Makhomisane stresses the broader community benefit.
“When more people are vaccinated, we reduce the overall spread of the virus – this is what we call herd protection.
“It helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated or who may not mount a strong immune response.”
Timing is critical
With clinics now stocking the vaccine, he says the timing is critical.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get your flu vaccine and protect yourself and those around you.”
Facts and myths about influenza (flu)
| Myth | Fact |
| Flu vaccines can cause flu. | Flu vaccines are made with flu viruses that are either weakened, inactivated (killed), or recombinant (made without influenza viruses or eggs), therefore, flu vaccines cannot cause flu. It typically takes 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective and during those 2 weeks, it is still possible for a vaccinated individual to get flu or another respiratory virus. |
| Flu vaccination is not necessary every year. | Annual vaccination is critical to provide the best protection against flu, since the vaccine may change each year to match circulating flu viruses. An annual vaccination for all individuals age 6 months and older is recommended. |
| Healthy people don’t need a flu vaccine. | Anyone can get flu, even young, healthy people. Getting vaccinated each year is important for everyone age six months and older. And vaccination can help prevent the spread of the virus to others who may be vulnerable to flu and related complications. |
| Flu is nothing more than just a bad cold. | Flu is not the same as a common cold – it can be far more serious, and can cause high fever, headaches and body aches, chills, and severe fatigue for up to two weeks or more. Flu can also lead to more serious complications, including hospitalisation and even death. |
| There is nothing you can do if you get flu. | Know the symptoms. If you, your child, or a loved one gets sick, contact a healthcare professional immediately to discuss treatment options. Flu antiviral drugs can make the illness milder, make you feel better faster, and may also prevent serious flu-related complications. Prescription antiviral drugs are recommended for people who have flu or suspected flu and who are at higher risk of serious flu complications, those with worsening flu illness, and anyone hospitalised with flu. |
| Vaccines can be dangerous and may have adverse health effects. | Most people do not experience serious side effects from flu vaccines. Some may experience a sore arm at the injection site, fever, muscle pain, and feelings of discomfort or weakness. These side effects typically last one-two days after vaccination and are much less severe than actual flu illness. Serious reactions are rare, and flu vaccines are given safely to millions of people every year. |
| All flu vaccines are approved for all age groups. | Everyone age six months and older should get flu vaccine every year. Different flu vaccines are approved for different age groups. For adults age 65 years and older, three flu vaccines are preferentially recommended, including higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines. For the younger individuals, doctors do not recommend any 1 flu vaccine over another. |
Even in cases when vaccination does not prevent infection completely, it can reduce the duration and severity of illness and can help prevent serious complications, including hospitalisation and death.
We asked readers if they are in favour of the annual flu vaccination.
