Seasonal Influenza Vaccination
Please read this information carefully and do not hesitate to speak to the pharmacist if you have any questions. If you have
any serious medical problems, please discuss them with the pharmacist to ensure influenza vaccination is appropriate and
safe for you.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
This vaccine helps to protect against seasonal influenza (flu), particularly in those who run a high risk of associated
complications. The use of flu vaccine should be based on official recommendations. When a person is given the vaccine, the
immune system (the body’s natural defence system) will produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. None of
the ingredients in the vaccine can cause flu.
Flu is a disease that can spread rapidly and is caused by different strains of the virus that can change every year. This is why
you need to be vaccinated every year. The greatest risk of catching flu is during the cold months between October and
March. If you are not vaccinated in the autumn, it is still sensible to be vaccinated up until the spring since you can run the
risk of catching flu until then.
Seasonal flu vaccination will protect you against the three strains of virus contained in the vaccine from about 2 to 3 weeks
after the injection. The incubation period for flu is a few days, so if you are exposed to flu immediately before or after your
vaccination, you could still develop the illness as your immune system will not have had chance to respond to the vaccine.
The vaccine will not protect you against the common cold, even though some of the symptoms are similar to flu. As with all
vaccines this vaccination may not fully protect all persons who are vaccinated.
Some common side effects you may experience
Flu vaccines are normally well tolerated but as with all medicines some people experience side effects. Common side effects
(affecting 1in 10 to 1 in 100 users include)
 Headache
 Sweating
 Muscle or joint pain
 Fever, shivering, and or fatigue.
 Local reaction at the injection site
In most cases they are usually mild and last no more than 1-2 days. It is perfectly safe for you to take appropriate pain killers
to help with these. Please ask your Pharmacist which pain killers are best for you.
More Serious Side Effects are extremely unlikely and could include
 Skin rashes and itchiness
 Blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis)
 Temporary reduction in platelets in the blood
 Nerve pain (neuralgia) or altered sensations (paraesthesia)
 Anaphylaxis (see below)
Rarely patients may develop an anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine. This is an extreme allergic reaction and could occur if
you are very sensitive to the vaccine or one of its constituents. This condition is characterised by rash, swelling and
difficulties in breathing and can result, if left untreated, in cardiovascular collapse and death. Anaphylaxis may result if you
are sensitive to any constituent of the vaccine. Your pharmacist has been trained to administer treatment in the very unlikely
event of this occurring. Anaphylactic reactions usually happen very quickly, but sometimes can result after several hours (up
to 72 hours). Your Pharmacist will ask you to remain in the Pharmacy for a short time following vaccination to ensure your
safety. Should you start to develop any symptoms as described above following this vaccination, contact NHS Direct
immediately and inform them that you have received a seasonal influenza vaccination. See contact below.
NB: People with egg allergy should not be vaccinated using this type of vaccine as eggs are used in its production.
Other Information
Flu vaccines can be used at all stages of pregnancy and if breast feeding
This vaccine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machinery.
REMEMBER
Should you start to feel unwell after you have left the Pharmacy and have any concern whatsoever, contact the
Pharmacist, your GP, or if out of hours call NHS 111 Remember to tell them you have received a flu vaccination.