Flu Vaccine Before Your Trip - Yes Or No?

Going on a winter trip abroad? Part of planning your trip, your health and wellness should be one of your top concerns. Should I get a flu shot before my trip? Here's how I'm preparing for my upcoming winter trip to Japan.

But first, let me take you back to my previous winter trip in Japan.

I always believe in the power of prayers and positive attraction. Dati, pinangarap ko lang maka-experience ng snow. Hahaha! I prayed and worked hard for it. And it happened last year when we visited Shirakawago Village in Central Japan.

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A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Jan 29, 2019 at 6:51pm PST

Visiting it during winter is totally different and one-of-a-kind experience for me. It's my first time to experience winter which I only dreamed of when I was a kid. The whole village is surrounded with snow! And it's so cold! Yes, I'm prepared with my gloves, thick layer of clothes and jacket, but being from a tropical country, the sudden drop and rapid change in temperature had a huge effect on me. I almost got sick during this winter trip. But still, We enjoyed walking around the village while admiring the farm houses enveloped in thick snow and the snow-covered mountains surrounding us.

I'm traveling back to Japan!

Earlier this year, I kept on thinking of going back to Japan. And yes, the power of prayers, hard work, and attracting positive vibes worked again! I’ll experience winter in Japan once again. Yey!

Because of what happened during our winter trip last year, I now learned my lesson that I have to be healthy and physically prepared before going on a winter adventure.

Winter is also flu season in Japan. I read on the news that there's a major flu outbreak in Japan. Getting sick while on a trip is not good. So, I have to take preventative measures such as vaccinations, keeping myself healthy and boost my immune system. To prepare for this winter trip, I went to MyHealth Clinic in Festival Mall Alabang to have a flu vaccine.

Influenza shots are vaccines that protect us against infection caused by influenza viruses. As the influenza virus rapidly changes and new strains are being discovered, a new version of the vaccine is developed twice a year. In the Philippines, it is recommended to get flu shots before the rainy season. I specifically had the last version for the season of the "quadrivalent vaccine" which will protect me against four flu viruses such as influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, one influenza B virus, and another B virus. I'm happy because it gave me peace of mind that I will be able to combat the common causes of flu on this trip.

So, should you get a flu vaccine before your trip? Definitely yes! It's better to be safe than sorry. Get a flu shot every 6 months specially when you're traveling abroad. This will certainly help you protect yourself from flu viruses.

ALSO READ: How to Get for a VACCINE CERTIFICATE from VaxCertPH?

Where to get Flu Vaccine?

You can visit a clinic near you or visit any of the MyClinic Branches in Metro Manila. MyHealth Clinic offers flu vaccination package for as low as Php 780. This includes medical clearance from a doctor, vaccine administration fee, and quadrivalent flu vaccine.

HOW TO AVAIL: Just visit your preferred MyHealth Clinic branch. No need to set an appointment. You may also purchase it through MyHealth's online store by visiting their website at www.myhealth.ph. Upon arrival at the clinic, just show your online payment confirmation on your phone to any of their clinic staff. Don't forget to bring a valid ID.

ALSO READ:

• Your Journey to a Heart-healthy Lifestyle Begins with MyHealth Clinics’ Cardio Work-Up Package!
• HEALTH & WELLNESS: Annual Check-up at MyHealth Clinics

This post is in partnership with MyHealth Clinics Philippines.