Remind me why we talk about Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations every winter season?

Antibodies don’t last forever

After vaccination, the body produces antibodies and other defence mechanisms. The longer they last, the longer your immune response. Measles and mumps antibodies take more than 200 years to diminish by half. On the other hand, those for COVID-19 seem to last just several months.2

Memory cells take time

B and T cells “remember” past infection and work to protect against future. Developing them can take time and they may only work when we have recently had a vaccination or been sick.3 Repeat vaccination can help our memory cells stay active.

The speed of mutation counts

Viruses like the flu and COVID-19 may have several mutations in play. Influenza constantly changes, meaning there is always the chance of a serious flu season.* By comparison, a virus like polio mutates slowly makes containment and potential eradication more possible.† Because of this, repeat vaccination for flu and COVID-19 is best to reduce the risk of serious illness.1

Immunity is not a one-size-fits-all solution and not all vaccines provide lifetime protection. To provide the best defence against some diseases, repeat vaccinations are recommended.