Vaccination against influenza saves lives

Influenza is a highly contagious, acute respiratory viral infection, responsible for annual epidemics causing severe morbidity and mortality. Vaccination remains the most effective, live-saving preventative strategy, especially amongst populations at high risk of developing influenzarelated complications. The inactivated trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine contains two World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended influenza A and one influenza B strains, while the quadrivalent vaccine contains an additional B strain, providing broader protection against co-circulating influenza B lineages. Healthcare workers are instrumental in ensuring effective communication about the benefits of influenza vaccination to achieve optimal seasonal influenza vaccination coverage.