Flu shot or flu jabs is the term used for influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccines are used against different strains of influenza. This is a viral disease and has taken over the entire world in troll because of its many strains and scientists are always in a constant struggle to find a cure against each and every strain.
Flu vaccines or flu shots have been proven to be very effective in reducing flu-like symptoms and a number of hospital visits and admissions because of these infections. It is recommended by the World Health Organization that flu vaccine must be given to all individuals above six months of age.
What is a flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is the vaccine that induces the production of certain antibodies in the body of the vaccinated person to help him fight against different strains of the flu virus. There are different forms of flu shots. It is available in the form of live attenuated as well as recombinant form. Different flu vaccines have been formulated against different strains of the flu virus.
Why is it important to get consent for a flu shot?
Although the flu vaccine has been recommended by WHO and has proved to be very effective against flu and flu-like symptoms, it is still criticized and refused by people because of its possible side effects like fever, headache, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and allergies.
Some people consider it ineffective and useless for the prevention of influenza. They are of the opinion that such vaccines are just advertisements and have nothing to do with actual cure and safety.
So this has made it necessary to take consent before the administration of the flu shot.
Flu Vaccine Forms
- The flu vaccine form requires the information of a patient who is likely to get a flu shot and of the parents if the patient is a minor. His name, age, address, sex, and other necessary identification points are noted down correctly.
- He has to mention his complete details with his own hands if he can so that the consent takes the shape of informed consent and then he consents for the flu vaccine knowing that it has benefits and risks.
- He then signs the consent form which means he is ready for the vaccine as well as the questionnaire he has to fill in.
- Some screening questions are asked and marked so that any history of allergies is identified before the administration of the vaccine.
- The patient is asked about his current illness, fever or flu, history of any vaccination, or any reaction from the vaccines he previously received.
- He also inquired about his allergies to eggs or any other substance, especially thimerosal.
- History of GBS is also asked along with blood clotting disorder or if he is currently taking any anti-coagulants for many reasons. A flu vaccine cannot be given in such situations.
- If the patient is a female, she is asked about her pregnancy.
- At the bottom of the form, the doctor or nursing staff mentions if the patient has been vaccinated or not, and if yes what is the date for his next shot.
Template Preview
