Vegetable salad for a 1 year old child. Vegetable salads for children

We are all familiar with vaccinations early childhood. Meanwhile, not everyone knows that there are vaccinations not only against polio and diphtheria, but also against such a common and, it would seem, not particularly dangerous disease like the flu. However, such vaccines do exist, and many millions of people are vaccinated against influenza each year. Scientists say that flu vaccinations can significantly reduce mortality from influenza and prevent complications. However, there are opponents to flu shots. Whether to get vaccinated or use other methods of prevention is up to you to decide. This article will talk about what the flu vaccine is.

Types of Vaccines

The first flu vaccines were developed in the middle of the last century, shortly after the influenza virus was discovered. There are two main types of vaccines used today: live and inactivated. These two types differ in their composition and characteristics. Live vaccines contain weakened influenza viruses. Inactivated vaccines do not contain live viruses. Inactivated vaccines, in turn, are divided into three main types: whole virion, split (split) vaccines and subunit.

Each type of vaccine has its own advantages and disadvantages. Live vaccines help develop the highest and longest-lasting immunity to influenza, but they have many contraindications and are characterized by a relatively high likelihood of side effects. Split and subunit vaccines are the safest and are suitable even for children from 6 months of age. However, the immunity they provide lasts for a relatively short time - only 6 months. However, in most cases, this time is enough to safely survive the period of increased morbidity.

How do whole-virion, split-virion and subunit vaccines differ from each other? To understand this, you need to remember what influenza viruses are. They consist of an RNA molecule containing genetic information, as well as protein molecules that can be contained both inside the body of the virus and on its surface. The whole virus vaccine contains the entire protein shell of the virus. The split vaccine contains envelope proteins as well as proteins from the interior of the virus. In a subunit vaccine there are no internal proteins, there are only proteins from the surface of the virus shell - hemagglutinin and neuroamidase. They are responsible for most of the body's immune response when a virus enters it.

Composition of vaccines

However, as we know, there are many different strains and varieties of the influenza virus. Influenza viruses of genera A and B are considered the most dangerous. Also, within each type there are lines of viruses (serotypes) that differ in the structure of surface proteins - hemagglutinin and neuroamidase. If the body learns to distinguish one type of protein, then it will not be ready for another type.

Therefore, it is irrational to use one single type of virus to create a vaccine. Typically, material from three types of viruses is added to it. These varieties are determined every year by WHO specialists based on information received from more than a hundred influenza research laboratories from 90 countries around the world. Thus, the strains of the most common viruses in a particular season are added to the vaccine. On next year these strains in the vaccines are updated. Therefore, each vaccine can only be used in the year for which it was released. Otherwise, its effectiveness is not guaranteed. Statistics show that in 90% of cases the composition of the vaccine was predicted correctly, and it protected against the most common strains, and the discrepancies concerned only one component.

Typically, each vaccine contains material from two serotypes of the A virus (H1N1, H3N2), and the most common strain of the B virus. There are also specialized vaccines for vaccination.

The biomaterial of viruses is the main component of the vaccine. However, it is far from the only one. It may also contain preservatives, such as thiomersal, and excipients. Immunostimulant drugs (polyoxidonium) are added to some vaccines. It should be kept in mind that most of the viruses used in vaccines are grown in chicken embryos. Therefore, some vaccines may contain traces of chicken protein.

Also, each vaccine package is supplied with a disposable syringe for injection. The package contains one dose, its volume is usually 0.5 or 0.25 ml. Please note that children under 3 years of age are usually given half the dose. If the dose is not completely administered, then the remainder can be stored at a temperature of +2-6ºС (without freezing) for 3 days.

Live and sometimes whole-virion vaccines are administered not by injection, but by instillation or spraying into the nose. A disposable nasal spray can be used.

How to choose a vaccine

On Russian market there are several certified vaccines different types– live, whole virion, split and subunit. There are both domestic and imported vaccines. Vaccines within the four main groups (live whole-virion, split and subunit) do not differ in their characteristics and have the same ability to produce immunity.

It should be noted that vaccines of different brands contain material from the same three strains of the virus approved by WHO for the current season, so in this regard it makes no sense to choose between products from different manufacturers. However, vaccines from different manufacturers may have different degrees of purification, different preservatives, or may not contain them at all, which means that they differ in the degree of their allergenicity.

The price of the vaccines is quite affordable, considering that it must be administered once a year. The cheapest are vaccines domestic production, imported ones are somewhat more expensive. Prices for vaccines range from 150 to 700 rubles. Before using the vaccine, it is necessary to clarify whether it has any contraindications in a particular case. If you are unclear, it is best to consult your doctor.

Flu is called the most common infectious disease today. It affects 15 percent of the world's population every year. Epidemics and pandemics of this disease often begin - and the treatment of the disease is complicated by numerous complications. Of course, it is better to prevent infection and not get sick at all than, once you get sick, to select the appropriate treatment.

It has been proven that vaccination is the best preventive method. In particular, in Lately Many doctors opt for the French flu vaccine, called Vaxigrip. In our country, such vaccinations have been given since the early 90s, while in the rest of the world, vaccines made French company Sanofi Pasteur S. A . , has successfully proven itself since the late 60s.

Vasflu - vaccination from France

Flu is dangerous because it is a highly contagious disease. It can be transmitted through contact during talking, coughing or sneezing. The course of the disease may vary depending on which of the viral strains is active: for example, types of infection C and B are the easiest. As for type A, this flu is characterized by a more severe course, signs of intoxication and other complications. Actually, this virus becomes the “culprit” of epidemics.

Why is vaccination so important?

Body temperature in case of mild illness can reach 38 degrees. Other symptoms are headache and a feeling of weakness.

Average severity of infection is associated with:

• temperature rise above 39 degrees;
• runny nose, severe cough and chest pain;
• signs of intoxication (muscle aches, joint pain, weakness);
• abdominal symptoms (dyspepsia and abdominal pain).

And finally, the severe form involves vomiting, a temperature exceeding 40 degrees and confusion in addition to all the above symptoms.

Complications can be extremely dangerous - even fatal (See also: ?). It should be remembered that the flu has a very negative effect on the strength immune system, as a result of which various bacterial infections are possible. This is especially common for people who have weak immunity or suffer from chronic illnesses.

Children and older people are also less protected from infection - and, accordingly, in need of appropriate prevention.

The feasibility of vaccinations

Vaccination - including the use of the French flu vaccine - does not guarantee one hundred percent protection against influenza pathogens, because it is not always possible to predict the type of infection that will be “relevant” in the upcoming season. However, statistical data indicate that people vaccinated against the virus get sick less often, and if they “catch” the infection, they quickly recover without complications.

When developing vaccines, doctors focus on infections noted in the past year, taking into account the possibility of mutations. Nonspecific preventive measures are aimed at preventing complications and eliminating death. If the immune system is weak, there is a risk of secondary bacterial infections such as diphtheria and polio.

Vaccinations are done shortly before the expected start of the epidemic, since the body needs a couple more weeks to strengthen the immune system.

It is not advisable to vaccinate before October, since by the very peak of the epidemic the level of antibodies will drop and the risk of infection will increase.

Vaccine selection

If a child is given the vaccine for the first time, he is vaccinated twice (each time using half the adult dose): the second time – a month after the first.

Which flu vaccine should you choose?

People ask which flu vaccine is best because there are several types.

Each vaccine contains a certain number of viral strains (two or three), and may include whole or split infection cells.

Actually, based on this, influenza drugs are classified into:

• products based on live but weakened viruses (for example, the domestically produced Microgen vaccine);
• products based on inactivated remnants of viral activity (usually foreign-made - Vaxigrip, Begrivak, Fluarix, and so on).

Inactivated vaccines, in turn, can be divided into the following types:

• whole-cell – which contain non-living but intact viral cells;
• split vaccines – split infectious cells ( Vaxigrip(made in France), Grippol (made in the Russian Federation), Fluarix (made in Belgium), Begrivak (made in Germany);
• subunit - containing the surface viral protein (Influvac (made in Italy), Grippol Plus (made in the Russian Federation), Agrippol (made in Italy).

Vaxigrip

It is believed that split vaccines, which include the French flu shot, are more purified because they do not contain chicken embryo lipids. They do not cause allergic reactions (in people with chicken protein intolerance), although the immunity is not as strong as in the case of whole-cell vaccination.

In general, with mass free vaccination, it is the regional Ministry of Health that chooses which vaccination should be given. Often, they rely on drugs from domestic manufacturers, which may not be inferior in quality to foreign drugs, but are cheaper.

However, as already indicated, people (especially children) may have:

• allergy or personal intolerance to chicken protein;
• chronic diseases associated with the heart, lungs and stomach;
• period of exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Accordingly, only Vaxigrip is suitable for them, for which, of course, they will have to pay out of their own pocket (or from the pocket of their parents). But immunity from infection during the epidemic will be ensured, and no complications will arise.

Typically, vaccines are compared with each other based on reactogenicity indicators. If we're talking about about unrefined drugs, they may have side effects. This usually happens after live and whole cell vaccination. On the other hand, their undoubted advantage is the ability to develop strong immunity.

Split medications have a minimum of side effects. Their composition is largely similar to live vaccines, but they are more purified.

Vaccination is generally not recommended for children under six months of age, as well as adults during periods of exacerbation of respiratory and viral diseases. You need to wait for recovery, then wait a couple of weeks and only then get vaccinated.

Description of the vaccine and its use

One way or another, before vaccination you should read the description of the Vaxigrip flu vaccine and any other chosen vaccination, get acquainted with the main advantages and possible side effects of the drug, and ask your doctor about it in detail.

The French vaccine was invented by specialists from Sanofi Pasteur back in 1969, although in our country it began to be actively used only in the early 90s.

In the manufacture of the drug, strains of types A and B are used, and viral components are mixed together. The composition of antigens changes regularly, based on what infectious strain is predicted for the current year.

The vaccine includes 15 μg of antigens of each type of virus with auxiliary components.

Having received such a vaccination, a person provides himself with protection from the disease for a period of six months to a year. According to statistics, the development of a protective immune response occurs in 90 percent of people who have been vaccinated.

Usually the drug is produced in 0.5 ml ampoules in bottles.

The Vaxigrip flu vaccine administration regimen is as follows:

• children from six months to three years of age are injected with 0.25 ml of the drug;
• Children over three years of age, as well as adults, are injected with 0.5 ml of the drug.

Injections are intramuscular - made into the shoulder or thigh.

Appearance of vaccine packaging

Indications and contraindications

If we talk about indications for use, this vaccine is suitable for almost all people, starting from six months of age, to protect the body from infection during an epidemic. It is especially recommended to vaccinate:

• persons belonging to a risk group;
• medical personnel;
• children and elderly people;
• military personnel.

Representatives of the so-called risk group may include people with:

• respiratory diseases (such as bronchial asthma);
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• kidney failure and other kidney-related problems;
• endocrine diseases;
• experience of recent radiation therapy, corticosteroids and antidepressants;
• weak immunity.

At the same time, you should be aware of certain contraindications to the use of the Vaxigrip vaccine. This vaccination is not recommended for people who have had an allergic reaction after a previous vaccination.

If the temperature is elevated, then you need to wait with immunization - at least a month after recovery.

During pregnancy, vaccination with this drug is permitted - but not earlier than the second trimester. There are no contraindications for lactation either.

Adverse reactions

As for the side effects observed after the French flu shot, they are not usually observed.

Certain reactions of the body may occasionally occur, but they are mild and insignificant:

• a slight increase in temperature - no higher than 37 degrees Celsius;
• feeling of chills;
• short headaches;
• pain in joints and muscles.

It is extremely rare that there may be complications associated with:

• allergic reactions on the skin (urticaria);
• muscle cramps;
• neuralgia;
• paresthesia;
• thrombocytopenia (when the number of platelets in the blood decreases);
• angioedema.

All these reactions are short-lived and soon pass.

Preparing for vaccination

There is no need to prepare in any special way for vaccination. However, taking certain measures will minimize possible adverse reactions:

• On the day of vaccination (as well as a couple of weeks before), the person must be healthy. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a medical specialist and undergo testing.
• Before vaccination, it is better not to eat foods that cause allergic reactions.
• The child needs to be shown to a pediatrician so that he can confirm that there are no contraindications to vaccination.

After vaccination

After the vaccination is done, it is advisable to stay in the hospital for about 30 minutes under the supervision of a doctor so that he can monitor the reaction.

The following symptoms may cause concern:

• the appearance of allergic rashes on the skin;
• temperature increase greater than 37.5 degrees Celsius;
• the appearance of hoarseness;
• swelling of the earlobes and lips.

For about three days after immunization, it is better not to go for walks and carefully monitor your well-being (for any allergic reactions).

The area on the body where the injection was given should never be combed or wetted.

Since immunity is not developed immediately, but within a couple of weeks, during this time it is necessary to refrain from contact with sick people and dress warmly.

Let's sum it up

Judging by the reviews of the French flu vaccine, it significantly reduces the likelihood of infection, and if infection does occur, it helps the body cope with the disease faster, without leading to dangerous complications.

This is a proven drug that has earned positive feedback from medical specialists and is an effective preventative against influenza.

It is especially suitable for people who are contraindicated for other vaccines due to an allergy to chicken protein. In the case of this vaccination, they should not experience allergic reactions.

Annually for treatment and imaginary prevention of acute viral infectious diseases people spend a huge amount of money. But there is a feeling that the flu does not respond to the entire spectrum offered medicines. He doesn’t care for many useful and ancient recipes, and hardening the body does not always bring results.

The situation is most difficult with children, because the influenza virus often not only causes a severe course, it leads to the development of complications. Perhaps the only thing that can help is to actively strengthen the immune system. Flu vaccination for children - what are the arguments for and against it? Who does it help and is it necessary to do it?

How dangerous is the flu?

What does the childhood flu vaccine help prevent? The influenza virus affects thousands of people every year. Acute viral infection, caused by such a microorganism, not only weakens the immune system and causes typical manifestations of viral damage to the body. The disease is especially dangerous due to its complications.

1. The most common and most severe complication is pneumonia, which develops as a result of the active proliferation of bacteria in a weakened body.
2. Diseases of the ENT organs: inflammation of the intracranial sinuses - sinusitis (nasal), frontal sinusitis (frontal), middle ear disease - otitis media.
3. They often suffer internal organs- myocarditis (damage to the heart muscle).
4. Encephalopathy develops, arachnoiditis - damage to the brain and its membranes.
5. When the disease progresses lightning fast, there are deaths.

Children are more prone to developing such complications due to imperfect immunity. Should my child get a flu vaccine? Vaccination often makes it possible not only to fully protect against the virus, but also to significantly reduce the percentage of complications.

Which children are required to be vaccinated against influenza?

Indications for active immunization of a child are the state of his health and medical history.

1. According to the modern calendar, it is recommended to vaccinate every baby after six months of age.
2. First of all, children who are weakened and often suffer from acute respiratory infections are vaccinated.
3. Children with chronic respiratory diseases and immunodeficiency (HIV infection) must be vaccinated.
4. Diseases of the kidneys, endocrine and cardiovascular systems, damage to the hematopoietic organs - if any of these ailments are present, the child is subject to active immunization against the influenza virus.

Should children get a flu vaccine or not? It’s difficult to answer, because along with positive influence health complications are also possible. Such prevention may in some cases be ineffective.

What you need to know before getting vaccinated

People often hear a lot of negative information about this procedure from acquaintances or friends. After all, the reaction to the flu vaccine in children can be different, and in rare cases, it is not easy after vaccination. But few people know that errors occur not only in poor-quality vaccines - the problem is in the wrong attitude of parents towards immunization. Dangers should be discussed in advance with your doctor. They are easy to avoid if you know what we are talking about.

Vaccination method

The influenza virus vaccine is a homogeneous, transparent, colorless or yellowish liquid. The shelf life of the drug is several months, so the substance is not stored for a long time. Every year, new vaccines are developed, the antigenic composition of which depends on the expected type of virus in the current year.

For babies from 6 to 35 months, the drug is administered twice in a dose of 0.25 ml into the anterolateral surface of the thigh. For children over 3 years of age, a single dose of 0.5 ml of influenza vaccine is recommended intramuscularly or deep subcutaneously into the deltoid muscle.

Types of flu vaccines

There are several safe-to-use vaccines on the medical market.

To prevent influenza, live and inactivated (killed) vaccines are used.

Contraindications to vaccination for children

In what cases do doctors prohibit administering the flu vaccine?

1. If allergic reactions develop to one of the components of the drug.
2. With the development of an acute respiratory infection with or without fever.
3. A contraindication for influenza vaccination in children is exacerbation of chronic diseases.
4. If your child is allergic to chicken protein. Some drugs contain antigens grown on chicken embryos.

Swine flu vaccination for children has the same contraindications. Vaccines from different types influenza are most often combined.

Possible consequences of the flu shot

Contrary to the general opinion about low-quality or allergenic drugs, many of them are well tolerated. There are no clinical manifestations following the introduction of the vaccine. It is important to observe a health worker not only before vaccination, but also for at least 30 minutes after it. Sometimes side effects occur after children get a flu shot. What are the possible consequences of such immunoprophylaxis?

Such symptoms go away on their own in a short period of time. Many of the effects of the flu vaccine in children can be avoided or reduced. If the temperature increased by more than 2 °C, this is an indication for the use of antipyretic drugs. In case of development of pronounced allergic reaction Antihistamines can be used.

Severe complications after influenza vaccination in children have not been reported.

Let's summarize. Should I vaccinate my child? Is this next vaccine dangerous? Vaccination is mandatory for the category of children who have severe chronic illnesses. Such children take pills for a long time for the underlying disease, treatment also for the flu is a blow to the liver, it is much easier to vaccinate the baby. The flu vaccine itself is tolerated with virtually no serious complications. There is no point in preventing influenza virus if people from close circle will also not be vaccinated. In other cases, the question of the advisability of administering such a drug should be decided by parents after consultation with a specialist. It is important to weigh the pros and cons correctly.