What is the Flu Jab?
The seasonal flu vaccine (flu jab) protects against 4 strains of flu virus. These are the strains most likely to be circulating this flu season. The vaccine is available every year to adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.
Overview
It is recommended to get a new vaccine every Autumn. This is due to the strains of the flu virus changing. This is why it is called seasonal flu. But people commonly call it flu.
You should get your flu vaccine during the Autumn, to be covered for flu season.
Where to get the flu vaccine
- Your local pharmacy
- Your GP
- An occupational health department or peer vaccinator if you work in healthcare
Flu vaccines reduce:
- The severity of illness
- Complications from influenza
- Flu-related hospitalisations.
- Admissions to critical care units
- Reduce the risk of infection by 40-60%
Some more information on influenza
Watch the HSE video below to find out more information on the flu and the benefits of flu vaccination.
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Flu vaccine FAQ
Below are the most common question we get asked by customers regarding the flue vaccine. For more information please see our resource section or get in contact with the pharmacy.
The flu vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies (proteins that fight infection). If you have had the flu vaccine and you come into contact with the flu virus, the vaccine can stop you from getting sick The flu vaccine starts to work within 2 weeks. You need to have the flu vaccine every year. This is because the antibodies that protect you decline over time. Flu strains can also change from year to year.
The flu vaccine doesn’t protect against COVID-19. It is important to get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. This is because Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. If you have had the COVID-19 vaccine you should still get the flu vaccine.
Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself from getting the flu. It will not stop all flu viruses and the level of protection may vary. So it’s not a 100% effective and you may still get flu. But if you do get flu after you have the vaccine, it’s likely to be milder and you will recover more quickly. Flu vaccines usually reduce the risk of infection by 40-60%.
Flu vaccine resources
See our flu vaccine resources for more information from the HSE.