Why It's Important to Get an Influenza Vaccine Every Year?

The flu is a common viral illness that infects millions of people each year. For most people, the flu will cause uncomfortable symptoms before clearing up on its own but the flu has the potential to be very dangerous both to vulnerable groups of people as well as otherwise healthy people.  Each year, thousands of deaths in the UK are attributed to flu.

The flu jab is a safe, effective, and proven way to protect you, your loved ones, and your community from the highly contagious flu virus. You may feel a bit sore or unwell shortly after getting the jab, but this will be temporary. It’s important to remember that the flu jab benefits far outweigh any short-term discomfort. 

The Flu Jab Helps the NHS

Our NHS is under increasing pressure and has limited resources. By getting the flu jab each year, you will reduce the spread and occurrence of the flu. The fewer people need treatment or hospitalisation for the flu, the less pressure will be put on the NHS.

Many people believe that getting the flu jab won’t protect them because of anecdotal evidence that you can still get the flu post-vaccination. No vaccine is 100% effective, but the flu vaccine does make it significantly less likely you’ll get the flu. If you do get it, your symptoms will be far milder than they would have been otherwise. 

How Long Do Flu Antibodies Last?

It takes around two weeks for the flu shot to provide protection against the flu. After you’ve been vaccinated, your body will create antibodies that will circulate throughout your bloodstream for around 6 months. 

In addition to the antibodies eventually wearing off, flu strains evolve over time so you will need to get a new jab each year to stay protected.

Who Shouldn’t Get the Flu Jab?

Most adults and children over the age of 6 months can have the flu vaccine. It’s not recommended to children under the age of 6 months or to anyone who has had an allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past. Some vaccines use eggs so anyone with an egg allergy should ensure that they request a low-egg or egg-free vaccine from their healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

It is safe for pregnant women to get the flu jab and it is recommended that they do so because one of the benefits of the flu vaccine in pregnancy is that mother and baby will be protected.

Where Can I Get the Flu Jab in London?

Some groups of people may be able to get the flu jab through the NHS or employer. Others will need to arrange for a private jab.

Pearl Chemist Group is well known in the local community for providing safe, fast, and hassle-free flu jabs. For flu vaccination service in Tooting, contact PCG today. You can also book a convenient appointment online. Visit our website to learn more and to book flu vaccination online in Epsom.