£15.49
Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract, caused by three types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. For most healthy individuals, the flu is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting illness, with recovery occurring within a week. However, it can lead to more serious complications, especially in vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, the pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
The disease is marked by the sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue. Other common symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat, and a stuffy nose.
The flu can be transferred through droplets, aerosols, or direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person and it spreads quickly, particularly in closed environments like nursing homes, residential facilities, and schools.
The flu vaccine aims to protect you against the most common types of flu viruses. There’s still a chance you might get flu after getting vaccinated, but it’s likely to be milder and not last as long.
The vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work. Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time and the types of flu virus the vaccine protects against are updated each year. This is why it’s important to get the flu vaccine every year.
Dose
Adult and children from 9 years old
One 0.5ml single dose
Administered to upper arm
Medication
Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine
Influenza Tetra MYL (Influvac)
Most eligible adults will be able to get the flu vaccine from 3 October 2024.
This may be later than you've had the vaccine before, but it means you'll have the best protection when flu is most widespread.
Some people may have their vaccination from September 2024.
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
It's also offered to those who:
- are aged 9 years or over
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
The most common side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and get better within 1 to 2 days.
They can include:
- pain or soreness where the injection was given
- a slightly raised temperature
- an aching body
More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
The injected flu vaccines used in the UK do not contain live flu viruses. They cannot give you flu.
You should avoid getting this vaccine if you currently have any acute infectious illness or high fever. Please wait until you feel better to book.
