Take your flu and pneumonia shot now: Can it boost your immunity better?

How the Flu Vaccine Works 

The flu vaccine works by exposing your immune system to inactivated or weakened forms of the influenza virus. This exposure doesn’t cause illness but triggers your body’s immune response. The immune system responds by producing antibodies that recognize and fight the virus. If you encounter the flu virus after vaccination, your immune system can respond more quickly and effectively, either preventing the illness altogether or reducing its severity. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies assess which flu strains are most likely to be prevalent and recommend the composition of that year’s flu vaccine. This constant update is crucial because the influenza virus is highly mutable, and immunity from previous vaccines may not protect against new strains.

The flu vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, particularly those at higher risk of complications, including pregnant women, elderly individuals, young children, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. It’s important to get vaccinated early in the flu season, as it takes about two weeks for the body to build up immunity after the shot.

How the Pneumonia Vaccine Works 

The pneumonia vaccine, like the flu vaccine, works by priming the immune system to recognise and combat specific bacteria. There are two types of pneumonia vaccines: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). PCV13 is typically recommended for children under two years old and adults over 65, as well as people with certain health conditions. PPSV23 is recommended for adults over 65 and individuals aged 19 to 64 who smoke or have certain chronic health conditions. These vaccines work by introducing inactivated bacterial components to the body, stimulating an immune response without causing illness. The immune system then produces antibodies that will recognize and fight the bacteria if it enters the body in the future.

By getting vaccinated, people not only protect themselves but also help reduce the spread of the bacteria, contributing to herd immunity.

Why Now is the Time 

Getting vaccinated in the fall, before winter hits its peak, is ideal. It allows your body enough time to develop immunity before the flu season is in full swing. Additionally, the overlap of the flu season with the ongoing presence of COVID-19 underscores the importance of minimising the risk of respiratory infections through vaccination. While the flu and pneumonia vaccines do not protect against COVID-19, reducing the incidence of these illnesses can prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. Moreover, winter infections and pollution can exacerbate chronic health conditions, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).