The Flu Vaccine: Who Needs It and Common Myths

Seasonal flu causes an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths worldwide every year, according to the WHO. The vaccine is safe, quick and the best way to reduce your risk of serious illness.

Imagine skipping your flu jab because “I never get flu”. Then a week in bed with a high fever, aching all over, follows by a chest infection that keeps you off work for three weeks. Your elderly neighbour, who you visit often, catches it too. Next autumn, you’re first in the queue.

Who should get it

Many countries recommend yearly vaccination for everyone over six months. Priority groups usually include:

• Adults aged 65 and over (some countries start at 50 or 60)
• Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
• People with long-term conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• Young children
• Health and care workers, to protect themselves and patients

Why every year?

Flu viruses change constantly, so the vaccine is updated each season to match the strains expected to circulate. Protection also fades over time. Getting vaccinated before flu season starts in your region gives the best protection.

But can the vaccine give me flu?

• No. Injected vaccines contain inactivated virus or no whole virus. The nasal spray for children contains weakened virus that can’t cause flu.
• “Flu is just a bad cold.” Flu can cause pneumonia, heart and brain complications, and death, even in healthy people.
• “It doesn’t work.” Effectiveness varies by year, but vaccinated people who catch flu are usually less ill and less likely to be hospitalised.

Side effects are usually mild: a sore arm, slight temperature or aching for a day or two. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.

Sources: World Health Organization (Influenza seasonal), US CDC (Flu vaccine), NHS (Flu vaccine), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.