Seasonal influenza activity has increased globally in recent months, with more people being recommended to get vaccinated. But for those working or living at sea, how and where should you source vaccinations, and who should have them?
This year, influenza (flu) is particularly prevalent, with reports of new strains causing more cases of hospitalization. Flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness and causes up to 650,000 respiratory deaths each year globally according to the WHO. It typically presents with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. It’s transmitted via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This means flu can spread rapidly through crew and those on board. While most healthy individuals recover within a week or two, some may experience severe complications requiring care and management for longer periods, particularly those in high-risk groups.
Ella Isiraojie, Business Development Manager at ANP Pharma says anyone who has responsibility for the health and well-being of crew and guests must plan to ensure that vaccinations are pre-ordered and available when needed. She adds: “Flu tends to be seasonal in temperate climates, peaking in winter, but in the tropical regions the risk exists all year. That’s why vaccination planning is essential wherever you are in the world.”
While it may be possible for crew to receive flu vaccinations during shore leave or at ports with access to doctors, nurses, or pharmacists; onboard vaccination programs are another effective option. In these cases, the vessel’s medical team can manage vaccinations for the entire crew. However, Ella emphasizes the importance of advance planning.
“The flu virus evolves constantly with new strains emerging each year. Scientists determine how the virus has mutated and spread resulting in annual updates on newly produced batches, which must be carefully planned and distributed,” she says.
ANP Pharma supply flu vaccines in pre-filled syringes eliminating the need for mixing, reducing waste, and simplifying storage and administration. All vaccines are shipped in temperature-controlled packaging from dispatch to delivery, ensuring product quality is maintained regardless of destination, anywhere in the world.
With the media highlighting vaccine shortages ahead of this winter, Ella recommends those requiring vaccinations to plan and place orders well in advance. Timing will vary depending on location, but early planning ensures vaccines are available for use during the local flu season. For example, if in the Northern hemisphere the best time to order is typically by April or early summer.
She explains: “Generally, there are sufficient flu vaccines to meet demand. However, temporary shortages can occur when manufacturers and wholesalers stagger stock releases, especially during periods of higher-than-expected demand.
And while crew and those onboard can’t be forced to accept a flu vaccination, Rachel Smith of Red Square Medical says that providing education and advice about the benefits of vaccination is very helpful. “It’s especially worth talking about how those with other long-term conditions, or the more elderly or vulnerable members on board could be seriously affected by catching flu,” she says.
While crew and those onboard can’t be forced to accept a flu vaccination, Red Square Medical says that providing education and advice about the benefits of vaccination is a responsible approach.
“Any outbreak onboard a ship is treated seriously and needs careful management to contain it, in order to prevent serious illness and even fatalities. Infections do spread quickly in confined spaces such as cruise ships and other vessels, impacting on crew sickness levels, ship operations and the guest experience,” says Smith.
She also highlights that port health considerations could, in the worst-case scenario, result in expensive operational disruption such as itinerary changes or quarantine periods at sea.
“The global nature of our business at Red Square means that flu is a risk all year round, so we encourage vaccination education and programs onboard the ships that we are responsible for. Crew accepting vaccinations helps to protect themselves, their colleagues and especially guests who may have long-term conditions, be more elderly or vulnerable, and therefore could be seriously affected by catching flu,” concludes Smith.