Abstract
Influenza vaccination is recommended for adults over the age of 65, children aged 6 month to 5 years, pregnant women, patients with chronic illnesses, healthcare profesionals and those who come into contact with these high-risk groups. The aim of vaccination is to prevent infection and mainly to reduce the risk of serious complications.
The optimal timing of the influenza vaccination is determined by factors such as the time of onset and end of influenza outbreaks, the rate of antibody production and their waning with regard to specific types of the influenza virus as well as different, especially older, age groups. September to November are optimal months for vaccinating healthy individuals.
In order to ensure maximum protection for the influenza season, vaccination of people over 65 years of age should be carried out in October due to slower production and a faster decrease of antibodies. In the Czech Republic there should primarily be an increase in awarness of the severity of the disease and the importance of well-timed vaccination.