Is It Necessary to Get the Influenza Vaccine Before Traveling?

Because the dominant circulating strains can vary from year to year, maintaining up-to-date immunity is essential for protection against newly emerging strains.

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Before traveling, it is important to understand the circulating strains of the influenza virus in order to choose the most appropriate protection.

Globally, influenza viruses are classified into two main types: Type A and Type B. In the past, most influenza infections were caused by Type A viruses—particularly the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains. However, in recent years, the number of infections caused by Type B influenza has increased significantly.

Because of this shift, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends influenza vaccination for both children and adults, especially those in high-risk groups. Influenza vaccination not only helps prevent infection but also reduces the severity of symptoms if illness occurs.

Why Choose the Quadrivalent (4-Strain) Influenza Vaccine?

Currently, there are two types of influenza vaccines available:

• Trivalent influenza vaccine (3 strains)

• Quadrivalent influenza vaccine (4 strains)

The key difference is that the quadrivalent vaccine offers broader protection by covering both lineages of Influenza B, which have become increasingly responsible for seasonal influenza infections.

Recommended Influenza Strains Included in the 2022 Vaccine

The four influenza strains recommended for protection in 2022 are:

1. Influenza A (H1N1), Victoria strain

2. Influenza A (H3N2), Darwin strain

3. Influenza B, Austria strain

4. Influenza B, Phuket strain

Who Should Receive the 4-Strain Influenza Vaccine?

The quadrivalent influenza vaccine is especially recommended for the following groups:

• Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, kidney failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

• Pregnant women who are at least 4 months pregnant

• Adults aged 65 years and older

• Infants aged 6 months to 2 years

• Individuals with severe disabilities who are unable to care for themselves

• Patients with thalassemia

• Individuals with weakened immune systems or those living with HIV

• People planning to travel abroad, especially to Europe and North America

• Individuals who are likely to be in crowded environments, such as large religious gatherings, sporting events, concerts, or festivals

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