OUTDATED HEALTH PRACTICES

We are presenting in this column some issues and concerns about health:

“Local Health Units Must Stop Administering Last Year’s Flu Vaccine”

The influenza (flu) virus changes every year. To ensure the best protection, the flu vaccine must also be updated annually to match the most common and expected strains for that specific year.

In the Philippines, the updated flu vaccine for the year typically becomes available around March. 

This is the vaccine specifically designed to protect against the flu strains expected to circulate during that same year.

Why Timing Matters:

  • If you receive a flu vaccine before March, such as in January or February, you are likely receiving the previous year’s formulation.
  • That means you are protected only against last year’s strains, not the ones expected to circulate this year.
  • Receiving the outdated vaccine may give a false sense of protection, but it will not provide sufficient immunity against the current year’s flu virus.

Example:

In 2025, the new flu vaccine—formulated specifically for the 2025 strains—is expected to be available in March or April. Anyone who received a flu shot in January or February 2025 likely received the 2024 vaccine, which may not offer protection against the 2025 strains. In such cases, re-vaccination with the updated 2025 vaccine is necessary.

Role of Local Health Units:

It is crucial for local health units and healthcare providers to begin administering flu vaccines only once the updated vaccine for the current year becomes available, usually starting March. 

Please take note tha administering outdated vaccines before this period:

  • Does not align with scientific guidelines
  • Reflects a practice that is out of sync and in total disconnect with science
  • Puts patients at risk of being unprotected against the circulating flu strains
  • Leads to vaccine or taxpayer’s money wastage and unnecessary repeat vaccinations

What You Should Do:

  • Ask your health provider if the vaccine being offered is the current year’s formulation
  • Get vaccinated as soon as the updated vaccine is available
  • If you received the flu shot early in the year (before March), consult your doctor about getting the updated vaccine

Remember: Flu viruses evolve. So for your protection. Get vaccinated at the right time, with the right vaccine.