Flu Vaccinations

If you’ve had COVID-19, it’s safe to have the flu vaccine. It will be effective at helping to prevent flu. Flu vaccination is important because:

• if you’re at higher risk from coronavirus, you’re also more at risk of problems from flu
• if you get flu and coronavirus at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill
• it’ll help to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with coronavirus

Yes. Every flu season there are different strains of flu virus circulating and the protection from last year’s flu jab gradually decreases over time. The best way to protect yourself from flu is to have a flu jab every year.

Flu can cause nausea, fever, aches & pains, coughs and a stuffy nose. You may end up in bed for several days, affecting your work schedule, family life and social commitments. People in vulnerable groups are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. For busy workers, parents or carers, a Flu Jab can help limit any interruption to your routine or days off work. You will reduce the risk of catching flu and therefore passing it on to older or more vulnerable family members.

No. The vaccine contains inactivated particles that cannot cause flu. Any mild flu-like symptoms that you may experience are the normal response of the body’s immune system to a vaccination. Most people do not experience these symptoms.

You may experience some redness and swelling where you have had your vaccination. This may feel hard when you touch it. This will disappear with time. Less commonly, a mild temperature and aching symptoms may occur as a result of the immune system responding to the vaccine. This can last for up to 48 hours after vaccination and is not considered unusual. If this happens, make sure you drink plenty of water. You may feel tired for the next couple of days, but this will pass.