Which vaccines should be taken for COVID-19?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 50-year-old who recently moved to another country and am confused about the vaccination recommendations here. I have heard about the Moderna vaccine and influenza vaccines, but I am not sure what is necessary for my family. Are these vaccines required or just recommended? Do both kids and adults need to get them? I am particularly curious about the flu shots, is it really important? and how often should we get it? Also, what is the difference between the various vaccine brands, like Moderna? Can you explain the vaccination guidelines for both COVID-19 and seasonal flu? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

While some vaccines are required for school entry, others are strongly recommended for overall public health. Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019), the Moderna vaccine is one of the primary vaccines used. It is an mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine that helps protect against COVID-19. It is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. The schedule may vary depending on your previous vaccination status, age, and underlying health conditions. I suggest that you get physically examined by a doctor.

For the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine, it is highly recommended for everyone aged six months and older. As it helps protect against the influenza viruses. Annual vaccination is necessary as flu viruses change from year to year.

However, there are various brands and types of flu vaccines that the doctor treating would be able to suggest

The primary COVID-19 vaccines include Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen. The main difference between these vaccines lies in their technology (mRNA for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vs. adenovirus vector for Johnson & Johnson) and their dosing schedules.

Both mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) have shown high efficacy in preventing COVID-19 and are generally administered in a two-dose series, with booster recommendations depending case to the case.

Here is the vaccination schedule that is mandatory for the new residents in your area,

Vaccines for MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).
Hepatitis A and B vaccine (This combination vaccine is used to help prevent infection from the hepatitis A and B viruses. Hepatitis A is an acute infection, and people usually improve without treatment. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can cause a chronic, persistent infection, which can lead to chronic liver disease).
Chickenpox vaccine (chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus; chickenpox vaccine is a two-dose series of shots that protect children and adults from chickenpox).
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (the HPV vaccine protects against genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. It protects against cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus caused by HPV)

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of queries.

Thank you.