Flu Vaccine (Seasonal Influenza)

Overview

Who Needs This Vaccine?

• 1Everyone who wants to reduce their risk of flu — the vaccine is the single most effective prevention measure.
• 2Adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions are eligible for free NHS flu vaccination — but GP waiting times can be long.
• 3Healthcare workers and carers who want to protect vulnerable patients and family members.
• 4Travellers — flu circulates year-round in tropical regions and during winter in the southern hemisphere (April–September).
• 5Anyone who simply wants to avoid being ill during the winter months.

What to Expect

• 1A single injection in the upper arm. The appointment takes approximately 5–10 minutes.
• 2The vaccine is reformulated each year to match the strains expected to circulate.
• 3Protection builds over approximately 2 weeks after vaccination.
• 4Available at Holborn Clinic from September through to March each year.

Side Effects

• 1Very common: mild soreness at the injection site for 1–2 days.
• 2Common: mild fever, headache, or aching muscles for 24–48 hours.
• 3The injectable flu vaccine cannot give you flu — it contains inactivated virus.