Have You Received Your Flu Vaccination Yet?
 
The influenza vaccine remains one of the most effective measures to prevent infection. By receiving the vaccine, your body develops immunity against the influenza virus, significantly lowering the risk of falling ill. Even if infection does occur, vaccination helps reduce symptom severity and minimizes the likelihood of serious complications.
 

Influenza Vaccines Available at Bumrungrad

• Trivalent vaccine: provides protection against two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain
• Quadrivalent vaccine: provides protection against two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains

 

Influenza Vaccine Administration Routes Include

• Intramuscular injection
• Intranasal spray

 
Influenza virus strains used for the vaccine
Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends influenza virus strains for vaccine production, ensuring coverage of the strains most likely to be in circulation.
For the 2025–2026 season in the Northern Hemisphere, the recommended strains are:

 

Currently, B/Yamagata lineage influenza activity is very limited. WHO therefore suggests that trivalent influenza vaccines can be used as an alternative to quadrivalent vaccines.
 

Effectiveness of the Influenza Vaccine
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop full protection. The influenza vaccine can reduce the risk of infection by approximately 40–60%. Even in cases where infection occurs, vaccination helps lessen the severity of symptoms and lowers the risk of complications or death.
 

When Should You Get Vaccinated?
It is recommended to receive the influenza vaccine:

• Before the rainy season (around May in Thailand)
• Before the winter season (around October in Thailand)

These periods are when influenza infections typically increase. It is also recommended to get vaccinated at least two weeks before traveling to areas with high flu activity.
 
Who should receive the influenza vaccine?
The influenza vaccine is especially important for groups at higher risk of severe illness, such as:

• Young children
• Pregnant women
• Older adults
• People with chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, stroke, or weakened immune systems)

 

Influenza Vaccine Options for Different Age Groups
For the general population, the standard influenza vaccine is sufficient.

• Intramuscular influenza vaccine  New strain Flu vaccine 2025
• Intranasal spray   Live Attenuated Influenza Intranasal Vaccine

However, for adults aged 65 years and older, the high-dose influenza vaccine is recommended, as older adults are at a higher risk of complications than younger adults.

• High-dose influenza vaccine    Elderly Influenza Vaccine Package for Vaccine Center

 

Last modify: October 10, 2025

Bumrungrad Hospital