[Q&A] How to Know If You Have an Adverse Reaction to the Flu Vaccine?

Q&A on Adverse Reactions to Influenza Vaccine

On the 20th, citizens are receiving flu vaccinations at the Korea Health Management Association Seoul Western Branch in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, where the free influenza (flu) vaccination program is being conducted. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As of the afternoon of the 21st, there have been nine cases of death following influenza (flu) vaccination. However, health authorities have concluded that there is no reason to suspend vaccinations since a causal link between the deaths and the vaccinations has not yet been confirmed. Based on briefings and press releases from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), we address related questions.

- Is it okay to get vaccinated on a day when you feel unwell?

▲ It is best to receive vaccination when you are in good health. If you have symptoms of illness during the preliminary examination or have chronic diseases you usually suffer from, be sure to inform the healthcare provider. If you have respiratory symptoms, you must notify the medical institution before visiting and postpone the vaccination.

- How can I tell if there are any adverse reactions after vaccination?

▲ It is advisable to observe for 15 to 30 minutes after vaccination to monitor for any severe adverse reactions before leaving. Avoid strenuous exercise and rest on the day of vaccination. You should carefully monitor your physical condition for 2 to 3 days after vaccination.

- After vaccination, the injection site is red and swollen, and I have muscle pain and fever.

▲ Mild adverse reactions such as pain, swelling, edema at the injection site, muscle pain, fever, and nausea may temporarily occur after vaccination and usually improve within 1 to 2 days. However, if you experience high fever, difficulty breathing, hives, or severe dizziness after vaccination, you should immediately seek medical attention. For children, if they continue to be fussy, refuse to eat, or show unusual behavior, medical consultation is necessary.

- What are the most common adverse reactions?

▲ According to the KDCA, among the adverse reactions reported this year, allergies were the most frequent with 119 cases. This was followed by local reactions (111 cases) and fever (93 cases). Other adverse reactions accounted for 104 cases.

- Were there adverse reactions related to vaccines exposed to room temperature or those with white particles found?

▲ Among all reported adverse reactions, 84 cases were related to vaccines subject to recall due to distribution issues or the presence of white particles. The main symptoms were mostly mild, including local reactions (33 cases), fever (18 cases), and allergies (16 cases).

- There have been consecutive deaths after flu vaccination. Will vaccinations be suspended soon?

▲ After reviewing six deaths reported by the morning of the day, health authorities concluded that there is no situation warranting suspension of vaccinations. No direct causal relationship between the vaccine and the deaths or between adverse reactions and deaths has been confirmed, and no particular vaccine showed a high incidence of severe adverse reactions.

However, two of the six deaths may be related to 'anaphylaxis,' a severe adverse reaction caused by vaccination. Therefore, it is necessary to verify causality for the remaining cases through autopsies and other investigations.

- The flu vaccine changed from trivalent to quadrivalent this year. Is this related to the recent deaths?

▲ The quadrivalent vaccine has been used for paid vaccinations since last year. Health authorities consider that there is no significant clinical difference in safety between the trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines.

- Are the past cases of death after flu vaccination similar in scale to this year?

▲ Since 2009, there have been 25 reported cases of death following flu vaccination. Among these, only one case was confirmed to have a causal relationship with the vaccine. In 2017 (1-2 cases), 2018 (2 cases), and 2019 (2 cases), there were also reports of death as adverse reactions, but causality was not confirmed.

- How should I report if an adverse reaction occurs?

▲ If an adverse reaction occurs after flu vaccination, the guardian can report it directly or through the medical institution. Guardians can report via the 'Vaccination Helper website (https://nip.cdc.go.kr)' or through the 'Safe Vaccination' section in the Vaccination Helper app. Medical institutions can report through the 'Vaccination Management' section in the KDCA's 'Integrated Disease and Health Management System.'

- Can adults who are not eligible for free vaccination receive national compensation if adverse reactions occur?

▲ Yes. First, if children aged 6 months to 12 years who are eligible for the national vaccination support program incur medical expenses due to adverse reactions after vaccination, they can apply for compensation through the local health center regardless of the cost.

Even if adults or others not eligible for free vaccination experience adverse reactions, those who are recommended for vaccination by the government, such as healthcare workers or caregivers of infants under 6 months, can also apply for compensation. Those not recommended by the government can apply for relief through the Korea Institute of Drug Safety & Risk Management.

Compensation is only provided if causality is recognized. If the medical expenses borne by the individual exceed 300,000 KRW, compensation claims must be filed within five years from the date the adverse reaction occurred.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.