Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Information
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious viral illness of the respiratory tract that can be life threatening. The best protection is the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Can flu cause serious illness?
Flu is a serious illness with most deaths occurring in people aged 65 years and over, those with long term medical conditions and pregnant women.
Is it cold or flu?
Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. A cold is a much less serious illness than flu and usually starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose.
How does the seasonal flu vaccine work?
Seasonal flu vaccine helps the person’s immune system to produce antibodies to the flu virus.
How safe is flu vaccine?
Seasonal flu vaccines have been given for more than 60 years to millions of people worldwide. Reactions are generally mild and serious side effects are very rare.
What can i expect after vaccination?
The most common side effects will be mild and may include:
- Soreness
- Redness
- Swelling at injection site
Some people may also experience:
- Headache
- Fever
- Aches
- Tiredness
This is not the flu and will pass after a day or so.
For more information, visit the HSE Flu Website, the HSE Immunisation Website or call us to speak about the flu vaccine.
Click here if you need to book a vaccine.