**Answer:**

Your mother can receive a flu vaccine if her health is stable and she undergoes a pre-vaccination screening by a doctor. High blood pressure is not an absolute contraindication for the flu vaccine.

High blood pressure is diagnosed when clinic blood pressure readings are 140/90 mmHg or higher. The condition often progresses silently, with many individuals only discovering it during routine health check-ups or after complications have arisen.

Older adults, individuals with cardiovascular disease, or those with high blood pressure need to be particularly cautious about the flu. When infected with influenza, the inflammatory response in the body can exacerbate underlying conditions, increasing the risk of pneumonia, respiratory failure, or cardiovascular events in some cases. Therefore, annual flu vaccination is a recommended preventive measure for this patient group.

Ms. Loan, 63, from Con Dao Special Zone, TP HCM, who has high blood pressure, underwent a pre-vaccination screening by a doctor from the VNVC Vaccination System before receiving her flu vaccine. Photo: Moc Thao

Currently, Vietnam offers four flu vaccines from France, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Vietnam, suitable for children from 6 months of age and adults. Flu vaccines are also recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, provided there are no specific contraindications.

Before vaccination, a doctor will inquire about the patient's medical history, current medications, allergy status, and measure blood pressure at the time of examination. If blood pressure is elevated, the patient may be advised to rest and remain calm for about 15 minutes before another measurement. If the readings are suitable and there are no unusual signs, the doctor will proceed with the vaccination.

Should blood pressure remain high, accompanied by headache, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or other unusual symptoms, the patient needs further examination and blood pressure control first. It is not advisable to proceed with vaccination if the body is unstable.

After vaccination, your mother should remain at the vaccination site for at least 30 minutes for early reaction monitoring. Over the next 24-48 hours, the family should continue monitoring at home. Common reactions include pain and swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue, which typically resolve within one to two days, indicating the body is building an immune response.

Flu vaccines require an annual booster shot because the influenza virus changes seasonally. In addition to vaccination, individuals with high blood pressure must continue their prescribed treatment, maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, wear a mask in crowded places, wash hands frequently, and avoid close contact with people exhibiting flu symptoms.

If symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, body aches, or shortness of breath appear, the patient should seek medical attention early. Do not self-medicate or discontinue blood pressure medication without a doctor's guidance.

Doctor Ly Thi Ha

VNVC Hiep Binh Chanh Vaccination Center

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