2019 Flu Shot Now Available

2019/11/25 -01:00 PM

公費疫苗於11月15日開打，今年公費疫苗比較延遲，但從三價升級為四價，包含2種流感A型（H1N1及H3N2）、2種B型，防護力加倍；加上天氣比較溫暖，只要按照施打方法去打，還是可以獲得保護力。

Government-sponsored flu shot begins on November 15. This year, there is a slight delay in the government-sponsored flu shot, yet its protection has changed from against three viruses to four viruses, including two types of influenza A and two types of influenza B, making its protection even stronger. With the warm temperature, we should gain the protection needed if we get the flu shot according to instructions.

什麼是流感?What is the Flu?

流感的全名是「流行性感冒」，是由流感病毒引起的急性呼吸道感染疾病，每年秋、冬季是流感的好發季節，患者會出現頭痛、發燒、疲倦、流鼻水、咳嗽、肌肉痠痛等典型症狀。流感還可分為A型流感與B型流感。A型流感的症狀較為嚴重，且病毒變異性大，易引發大規模流行。而B型流感則較為穩定，不易有變異情況或造成大規模流行。

The flu is an abbreviation of “influenza.” It is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, and usually occurs in autumn and winter. Common symptoms include headache, high fever, feeling tired, runny nose, coughing, muscle pain, etc. The flu can also be divided into influenza A and influenza B. The symptoms of influenza A is more severe, and the virus is more likely to mutate and cause an outbreak. On the other hand, influenza B is more stable and is not likely to cause mutation or influenza pandemics.

為何每年都要接種流感疫苗？Why do We Need to Get the Flu Shot Every Year?

由於流感病毒極易產生變異，幾乎每年流行的病毒株都會稍有不同，原施打疫苗對不同抗原型之病毒保護效果減低，即使病毒未發生變異，疫苗成分相同，接種4-6個月後保護效果即可能下降，保護力一般不超過1年，因此建議每年均須接種1次，是全球一致性的作法。

Since flu viruses are very likely to mutate, the flu viruses every year are slightly different. The original vaccine may not work against different viruses, and even if the virus had not mutated, the protection may weaken after four to six month. The protection usually does not last over a year. Therefore, it is a common practice throughout the world to get the flu shot every year.

接種流感疫苗後，你應該要注意What Should you be Aware of After Getting the Flu Shot

1.接種疫苗後有相當小的機率會發生立即型過敏反應，並導致過敏性休克。為了能在事件發生後立即進行醫療處置，接種疫苗後應於接種單位或附近稍做休息，並觀察至少30分鐘以上，待無不適後再離開。

1. After getting the flu shot, there is a small chance that it will cause a sudden allergy, and may cause anaphylactic shock. In case something happens, after getting the flu shot, rest a while near the clinic for at least 30 minutes so that you can seek medical attention right away. Leave only when you’re feeling okay.

2.使用抗血小板或抗凝血藥物或凝血功能異常者，施打後於注射部位加壓至少2分鐘，並觀察是否仍有出血或血腫情形。

2. Those taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents or those with disorders of hemostasis should press directly against the wound for two minutes, and observe if bleeding continues or hematoma occurs.

3.完成疫苗接種後，雖然可以有效降低感染流感病毒的機率，但仍可能罹患其他呼吸道感染，還是要注意個人衛生保健及各種預防措施。

3. After getting the flu shot, though it can effectively lower the odds of catching the flu, it is still possible get other respiratory diseases. Hence, it is important to pay attention to personal hygiene and to take precautions.

4.接種後應注意有無持續發燒（超過48小時）、呼吸困難、心跳加速、意識或行為改變等異常狀況，如有不適，應儘速就醫，告知醫師相關症狀、症狀發生時間、疫苗接種時間，以做為診斷參考，並通報當地衛生局或疾病管制署。

4. After getting the flu shot, pay attention if you have a fever (over 48 degree Celsius), respiratory issues, abnormally fast heartbeat, changes in consciousness or behavior, etc. If you feel any discomfort, seek medical attention immediately, and tell the doctor your symptoms, the time they occurred, and when you got the flu shot, and report to the local Department of Health or Center for Disease Control.

疾管署說明，如果施打疫苗後有暈針的情況出現，建議接種者先到休息區休息，並舒緩緊張情緒，同時就近通知醫護人員，如暈針現象持續，應儘快送醫。

According to the Center for Disease Control, if you feel dizzy after getting the flu shot, you are advised to rest at the resting area and soothe your emotions and notify the medical practitioners. If dizziness continues, go to the hospital immediately.