The flu, or influenza, poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations. It isn’t just a bad cold, it’s a serious illness that can lead to hospitalisation and, in severe cases, even death. In response, flu vaccination emerges as a crucial preventive measure.
This medical intervention aims to boost your immune defences against prevailing flu strains, reducing the likelihood of severe illness and its associated complications. However, understanding who should avail themselves of this protective measure and its duration of efficacy is essential. In this blog, we’ll discuss who should get flu vaccination, what are the side effects of the flu jab and how long does a flu jab last.
Who Should Get Influenza Vaccine (Flu Jab)?
When it comes to flu vaccination for adults, certain groups are considered at higher risk of experiencing severe complications from the flu. Here’s who should consider getting the flu jab-
- Those aged 65 or over, including those turning 65 by 31 March 2024.
- People with certain long-term health conditions.
- Pregnant women.
- Residents of care homes.
- Primary caregivers for older or disabled persons, or those receiving carer’s allowance.
- People living with someone with a weakened immune system.
- Frontline health and social care workers.
Who Should Not Get the Flu Vaccine?
While most people are eligible for the flu vaccine, there are a few exceptions. You should not get the flu vaccine if-
- You’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or ingredient in the vaccine.
- You have an egg allergy (inform your vaccinator).
- You’re currently experiencing a high temperature (wait until you’ve recovered).
Why Should Children Get the Flu Vaccine?
Children, though often resilient, can suffer greatly from the flu. Not only can it lead to severe illnesses like pneumonia, but it also poses risks of hospitalisation. Flu vaccines for kids do not only protect their health but also create a barrier against flu transmission, safeguarding vulnerable populations like infants.
What are the Side Effects of Flu Vaccine?
Like any vaccine, the flu jab may cause mild side effects that typically resolve within a day or two, including-
- Pain or soreness at the injection site.
- Mildly raised temperature.
- Body aches.
Serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare, and vaccinators are trained to address them promptly. Importantly, the flu vaccine does not contain live flu viruses, so it cannot cause flu.
How Long Does the Flu Vaccine Last?
The flu vaccine aims to shield you from the most prevalent strains of the flu virus each season. While it takes up to 14 days for the vaccine to show effects, its protective effects wane over time. So, it can be said that a flu jab lasts for a short period. Additionally, flu strains change yearly, necessitating annual vaccination to stay ahead of evolving viruses.
Get Your Flu Jab at Miles Pharmacy
While some may think of the flu as just a bothersome sickness, it can make you very sick and even lead to hospitalisation. That’s why it’s important to know who should get the flu vaccination, what side effects it might cause, and how long it protects you.
Understanding these things helps us stay healthy and keeps others safe too. Remember, it’s better to prevent getting sick than to deal with it later. So, if you want to stay healthy and protect your community, reach out to us today to get the flu vaccine in Epsom today.