50-64s – Influenza Vaccination Information

If you have not had a flu vaccination before, please read the following information. (This information also applies to those aged 18-64 in an at risk group).

• Are you allergic to eggs?? The vaccine is based on an egg protein – Egg free vaccines are not available until the end of November.
• The Flu vaccine does not guarantee that you will not get Flu – but it should limit the effects if you do contract seasonal Influenza.
• The protective effects last approximately 9 months to 1 year.  The vaccine needs to be given each year as the virus strains prevalent vary from year to year.
• The vaccine is inactivated which means the virus within it is ‘killed’ therefore it is not possible to get Flu from the vaccine.
• You may experience ‘Flu like’ symptoms afterwards as you would after any vaccination – this is your body’s response to building up your antibodies.
• Your antibodies take 7-10 days to build up and be effective. If you do get the Flu during this time it means that you are already harbouring the virus before receiving the vaccine.
• Any side effects usually subside 24-48 hours after the vaccination – they usually include soreness and swelling at the vaccination site, general malaise and mild ‘Flu like’ symptoms. These can be treated with a cold compress or Paracetamol if required.

For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/