Influenza Immunisation

You should have a 'flu-jab' each autumn if you are at increased risk of developing complications if you get flu (influenza).

What is influenza?

Influenza (flu) causes a high temperature (fever), muscle aches, cough, and various other symptoms. Each year a different strain of the flu virus causes a winter outbreak of flu. If you are normally well, flu usually lasts a few days, and then goes as your immune system clears the virus. However, some people who have flu develop serious complications such as pneumonia. Many people in the UK die each year (mostly elderly people) from the complications of flu.

The immunisation

Flu immunisation (the 'flu-jab') gives good protection against flu, and lasts for one year. The vaccine is normally ready by the autumn each year. It is made from the strains of flu virus which are expected in the coming winter. You need a yearly immunisation to keep protected.

Flu immunisation does not prevent other virus infections which can cause coughs and colds. It protects only against the influenza virus which is expected in the coming winter. The flu immunisation does not cause illness. It is a coincidence if you develop a cough or cold shortly after having a flu immunisation.

Who should be immunised against flu?

The aim is to protect people who are more likely to develop complications from flu. You should be immunised against 'flu each autumn if you:

• Are aged 65 or over.
• Have a chronic (ongoing) lung disease. For example: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma which requires regular use of inhaled steroids or steroid tablets (or if you have previously been admitted to hospital because of asthma), cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, etc.
• Are a child who has previously been admitted to hospital with a lower respiratory tract disease such as pneumonia.
• Have a chronic heart disease. For example: if you require regular medication or follow-up for ischemic heart disease (angina, heart attacks, etc), congenital heart disease, chronic heart failure, hypertensive heart disease (not uncomplicated high blood pressure that is controlled with medication).
• Have a serious chronic kidney disease. For example: nephrotic syndrome, kidney failure, if you have had a kidney transplant.
• Have diabetes which requires insulin or tablets to control it.
• Have a poor immune system. (For example, if you have no spleen, are taking chemotherapy or steroid treatment, if you have HIV/AIDS, etc.)
• Live in a nursing home or other long stay residential care accommodation.

Also, healthy staff involved in direct patient care may be offered a 'flu jab from their employer.

Are there any side effects from flu immunisation?

Modern flu immunisation usually causes no problems. You may have a temporary mild soreness at the injection site. Rarely, it can cause a mild fever, and slight muscle aches for a day or so. This soon settles and does not lead to flu. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare.

Who should not have flu immunisation?

• If you are hyper-sensitive to egg (rare). This is because the vaccine is made in hens' eggs.
• If you have had a previous allergic reaction to a flu vaccine (rare).
• It is best to avoid immunisation if you are pregnant.
• If you are healthy and under 65 (as you are unlikely to develop complications from flu.)

© EMIS and PIP 2004   Updated: September 2004   Review Date: October 2005