Influenza (Flu) Vaccination

About the Influenza (Flu) Vaccination

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses, circulating seasonally and causing annual epidemics of varying severity. Unlike a common cold, true influenza typically presents with sudden onset of fever, severe muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and a dry cough, and can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections, and cardiovascular events — particularly in older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.

The influenza vaccine is reformulated annually to match the strains predicted to circulate each season. While no vaccine offers absolute protection against all flu strains, vaccination substantially reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and influenza-related mortality. Even in years when vaccine and circulating strains are not perfectly matched, vaccination reduces disease severity.

Who should have this vaccination?

• Adults of any age who wish to reduce their risk of influenza
• Those not eligible for the free NHS flu vaccine but who want protection
• Working adults, carers, and parents seeking to avoid the disruption of influenza
• Individuals with chronic health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or COPD
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• Adults aged 65 and over (also eligible for the NHS vaccine)
• Healthcare workers and those in close contact with vulnerable individuals

Vaccination schedule

The flu vaccine is administered as a single annual dose, ideally in September or October ahead of the winter flu season. However, vaccination is beneficial throughout the influenza season and can be given at any time the virus is circulating. The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to provide full protection. Certain high-risk individuals, including those who are severely immunocompromised, may be advised to have two doses in their first vaccination year.