Flu (Influenza) Vaccination
The flu (influenza) vaccine helps protect against seasonal influenza, a common respiratory infection that can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. It is given as a single annual dose.
£20 per dose — single annual dose
Who it is for
Anyone wishing to reduce their risk of seasonal flu, especially older adults, pregnant women, young children, those with underlying health conditions, and travellers.
Number of doses
A single dose each year (some young children may need two doses in their first year of vaccination).
When to have it
Annually, ideally in autumn before the UK flu season; travellers may benefit at other times of year.
How long protection lasts
For the duration of the flu season, so a new dose is needed every year.
How it is given
An injection, usually into the upper arm (a nasal spray is used for some children under NHS programmes).
Price
£20 per dose
Quick answer
The flu (influenza) vaccine is a single annual injection that protects against seasonal influenza, a contagious respiratory infection. It is recommended each year for older adults, pregnant women, people with health conditions, and travellers, with the vaccine updated annually to match circulating strains. The flu vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About Flu (Influenza) Vaccination
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system that spreads through coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces. It typically causes fever, aches, fatigue, sore throat and cough, and can be far more severe than a common cold, sometimes leading to complications such as pneumonia.
Flu viruses change from year to year, which is why the vaccine is updated each season to match the strains expected to circulate. Annual vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk of catching flu and passing it on to others.
A single dose of seasonal flu vaccine is recommended each year, ideally in autumn before the flu season begins. Vaccination can also be helpful for travellers, as flu circulates at different times around the world. Your travel health nurse will advise on the most suitable timing for you.
Timing
Annually, ideally in autumn
A single dose is given each year, with autumn being the ideal time before the UK flu season, though travellers may benefit at other times.
Effectiveness
Good seasonal protection
Effectiveness varies each season depending on how well the vaccine matches circulating strains, but it consistently reduces the risk and severity of flu.
Duration
Seasonal (around one year)
Protection lasts for the flu season, so a new dose is needed each year to stay protected as the virus changes.
Signs & symptoms
- Sudden high temperature or fever
- Aching muscles and joints
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- Dry, chesty cough and sore throat
- Headache and chills
- Loss of appetite and feeling generally unwell
Who should consider this vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of seasonal influenza, and is particularly advised for older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with underlying health conditions. It can also benefit travellers, as flu seasons differ between hemispheres. Your travel health nurse will advise on suitability and timing.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
Seasonal flu vaccination is recommended for anyone who wishes to lower their risk of catching and spreading influenza. It is particularly advised for people who are more likely to develop serious complications from flu. Travellers may also be advised to be vaccinated, as flu circulates at different times of year in different parts of the world.
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- Young children and people with weakened immune systems
- Those with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart, lung, liver or kidney disease
- Travellers, cruise passengers and those visiting crowded destinations
The vaccination course
A single dose of seasonal flu vaccine is given each year. Because flu viruses change from season to season, the vaccine is reformulated annually to match the strains expected to circulate, and a new dose is required each year. In the UK the ideal time is autumn, before the flu season begins, though travellers may benefit from vaccination at other times.
- One dose each year for adults
- Given by injection, usually into the upper arm
- Children having flu vaccine for the first time may need two doses several weeks apart
- Best timed in autumn ahead of the UK winter flu season
How long does protection last
Protection from the flu vaccine develops over about two weeks and lasts for the duration of that flu season. Immunity gradually wanes over the following months, and the circulating flu strains change each year, which is why annual revaccination is needed to stay protected.
- Takes around 10 to 14 days to take full effect
- Provides protection for one flu season
- Annual revaccination is needed as immunity declines
- The vaccine is updated each year to match circulating strains
Possible side effects
Most side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and settle within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare. Your travel health nurse will discuss any relevant considerations, including allergies, before you are vaccinated.
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- Mild fever and aching muscles
- Tiredness or feeling generally unwell for a day or two
- Serious allergic reactions are very rare