Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine | Flu Jab & Protection

The season of the flu is accompanied by a host of symptoms, fever, aches, and general infection in thousands of individuals in the UK on an annual basis. Although the flu can be considered as the disease of the season, it can easily be acute, namely among young children, old people, and individuals with chronic conditions. A flu vaccine, or flu jab, is the most effective method of defence against serious symptoms of flu.

• Is it effective?
• Does the flu vaccine work?
• Who should take it?
• What is the price of the flu vaccine?

Here is the full guide on everything you need to know in addition to how you can reserve your personal flu vaccine at Vital Meds Liverpool to be fast, safe and reliable.

What Is the Flu Vaccine?

A flu vaccine is a vaccine which is given during winter to protect against the influenza viruses that come around annually. It is effective in that it trains your immune system to identify the strains of flu and develop antibodies so that in case you are exposed to the virus the body is able to cure the infection fast.

Contrary to popular beliefs, the flu jab cannot bring the flu. It has weak or non-functioning elements of the virus that assist your immune system in acquiring knowledge of how to protect itself- without infection.

The kind of vaccines used against flu is updated by the medical experts on a yearly basis depending on the global surveillance data. This means that the annual flu vaccination would be specific to the most prevalent and threatening strains of that specific season.

Does the Flu Vaccine Work?

This is among the widely stated queries- does the flu vaccine work?

The simple answer: Yes, it does.

Here’s how it works:

• It barely makes you get caught by the flu.
• And should you get infected, your symptoms are a lot less severe.
• It reduces the chances of hospitalisation and complications.
• It safeguards the vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions.

The flu vaccine is not 100% flawless however it is seen that it is the most effective and the safest way of reducing the general severity of the flu during the winter season.

NHS Common Flu symptoms What Flu really looks like.

Each year, the NHS emphasizes the flu symptoms in order to enable people to detect and manage flu promptly. The frequent NHS flu symptoms are:

Sore throat

• Dry or chesty cough
• Muscle aches and body pains
• Sudden fever (38°C or above)
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headache
• Diarrhoea or tummy pain
• Loss of appetite
• In children: ear pains, irritability, low levels of activity.

These symptoms are mild and severe. Flu vaccination can alleviate the severity of the symptoms and decrease the risk of complications.

Who Should Get the Flu Jab?

Flu vaccination can be used by almost everybody. Nevertheless, there are some groups that are highly advised to receive the vaccine:

• Adults aged 65+
• Pregnant women
• Individuals that have asthma, diabetes, heart problems or a weak immune system.
• In children (nasal spray version) between 2 and 17 years old.
• Healthcare workers
• Individuals in a close-contact setting.
• Every person who does not want to be down with the flu.

A commercial flu shot will provide the solution to those who cannot get an NHS-funded vaccination to avoid the usual lengthy queue.

Who Should Avoid the Flu Vaccine?

Though the flu jab is safe in the majority of cases, there are a few groups of people that need to consult their doctor before taking their flu jab:

• People who previously had a serious allergic reaction to an influenza vaccination.
• Individuals allergenic to eggs (vaccine type-dependent).
• Persons having a high fever during vaccination.
• Individuals that have gone through some medical procedures.

Before the flu vaccine is administered, a professional clinic such as Vital Meds Liverpool will determine that you are fit.

Types of Flu Vaccines

The UK has a variety of flu vaccines, and each of them is appropriate to various age groups and health conditions:

1. Standard Inactivated Flu Vaccine (Injection)

• Suitable for most adults
• This is the most popular flu vaccination.
• Safe and effective

2. Egg-Free Flu Vaccine

• Made without egg proteins
• Best suited to those who have an allergy to eggs.

3. High-Dose Flu Vaccine

• Designed for adults aged 65+
• Offers greater immunity.

4. Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine (for Children)

• Needle-free
• Extremely viable among 2-17 year old children.
• Assist control of transmission at schools and homes.

Vital Meds Liverpool will provide you with advice on the type of flu vaccine that will suit your age and health status.

Flu Vaccine Side Effects: Are Side Effects Worth Taking Notice?

The majority of side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and temporary. These include:

• Sore or tender arm
• Redness or slight swelling
• Mild fever
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Slight muscle pain

These effects are temporary and normal, and tend to take 24-48 hours and the body is developing a defense mechanism.

Severe side effects are very infrequent and they are found in less than 1 out of a million of the cases.

How Long Does the Flu Vaccine Last?

A flu vaccine generally protects you for one full flu season, which runs from September to March in the UK. After getting the vaccine, your immune system takes about 10–14 days to develop full antibodies, giving you strong seasonal protection. However, flu viruses mutate every year, which means last year’s vaccine may not work against new strains. That is why it’s important to get a new flu jab each winter to stay protected against the updated strains.

Flu Shot Availability in the UK

The availability of flu shots generally starts at the beginning of September and goes on throughout the winter. NHS offers flu shots to the at-risk populations, and anyone can get a private flu shot.

In Vital Meds Liverpool, there is no long waiting list and private flu vaccines can be done at any time during the season and at flexible times.

Private Flu Vaccine at Vital Meds Liverpool

The private flu vaccine is ideal in individuals who:

• Not eligible to have a free NHS jab.
• I need it fast without wasting time.
• Like a more intimate clinic setting.
• Make work, going to school or traveling mandatory to get vaccinated.

Vital Meds Liverpool is an authorized, quality, and safe clinical setting that offers vaccines against flu that are of high quality and administered by qualified health care practitioners.

Flu Vaccine Cost — What to Expect

Depending on the provider and type of vaccine, the cost of flu vaccine differs. In the UK, the average price of privately taken flu jabs is between 12 and 25.

Vital Meds Liverpool has competitive prices, transparent pricing and no hidden cost. You get:

• Fast appointment
• High-quality vaccine
• Professional consultation
• Peace of mind

How to Book Your Flu Vaccine

It is easy and fast to book your flu jab at Vital Meds Liverpool. You can:

• Make a reservation via the booking system.
• Call the clinic directly
• Anytime during clinic hours (availability-based)

also be safe by making reservations early before flu season hits.

Why Choose Vital Meds Liverpool for Your Flu Jab?

Vital Meds is a reputed health care facility in Liverpool that provides:

• Rapid availability of personal vaccines against flu.
• Experienced clinical staff
• Safe, hygienic environment
• NHS-standard vaccines
• Convenient location
• Friendly patient care

You need fast protection, you do not manage to access the NHS services, or you simply choose to have private care! Vital Meds will be your safe option when it comes to seasonal influenza vaccination.

Staying Protected This Flu Season

Vaccination against the seasonal flu is the most sure and certain method to ensure that you and the people around you are not exposed to contracting this disease. Due to the yearly mutation of the virus, it is necessary to stay up-to-date with your immunity by getting an annual jab. The flu vaccine is effective, safe, and highly recommended in children and adults, as well as with high-risk populations. You have not yet received your flu jab, so now would be the best time to boost your defenses against the winter season.

Book your private flu vaccine at Vital Meds Liverpool today

Rapid service, a clinic you can rely on, professional care – get your flu shot before flu season is at full blast.

Frequently Asked Questions