​​How does influenza affect me?

• Influenza causes fever and body pain.
• Older people are more likely to also get a chest infection and need to go to hospital if they get influenza.

How does the influenza vaccine help?

• Getting the vaccine makes it less likely that you will get a chest infection or need to go to hospital.
• The vaccine may not stop you from getting influenza BUT it will protect you from becoming very unwell.

When can I get the free influenza vaccine?

• 65 years and older 

What are common side effects of the influenza vaccine?

• 1 in 10 people may have swelling or pain at the injection site for 2 to 3 days.
• Paracetamol can help with this pain.
• Sometimes a lump may happen at the injection site and last for a few weeks or months – no treatment is needed.
• People can also get fever, headache and muscle ache after the vaccine but these go away after 2 to 3 days. Some people mistake these for influenza infection but these side effects are much less severe than the infection.
• 1 in one million people who get the vaccine may have a problem with their nerves. This is temporary, and can also happen in people who get influenza.

Can the influenza vaccine give me influenza?

• No. The vaccine cannot give you influenza because there is no live virus in the vaccine.

Why do I need an influenza vaccination every year?

• The strain of influenza virus changes every year, so you need a new vaccine every year to protect you.

Should I still get the influenza vaccine after I have the infection?

• Yes. You are less likely to get sick from other strains of the virus if you get the vaccine.
• Wait until you are better before you get the vaccine.

Where can I get more information?

• Speak to your GP.
• Influenza vaccines – frequently asked questions (FAQs) | NCIRS