How long does the flu jab last?

If you’re over the age of 65 or at risk of getting seriously ill from flu, you may be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination. While you can get a flu vaccine at any time, the ideal time to do so is ahead of ‘flu season’. This means the autumn or early winter, before the flu virus starts to spread.

Understandably, you will want to know as much about the flu jab as possible before your appointment. Here, we’ll take a look at key questions that many people ask, which include: how long does the flu jab last? We’ll also discuss the effectiveness of the flu vaccine and whether you can still get sick after you’ve had it.

Read on for all the essential information you need to know ahead of your vaccination, and remember that if you have any other questions, you can always ask your doctor or healthcare professional.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Flu vaccination helps to protect you and others around you from the main types of flu strains that may be circulating in the general population.

Older people, those with compromised immune systems, certain underlying medical conditions and other eligible people are recommended to get the jab for free under the NHS flu vaccination service.

The vaccine gives the best possible protection against flu. It may prevent you from catching the flu, make your symptoms milder, and crucially, it can also stop you from spreading it to other more vulnerable people.

The vaccine works by teaching your immune system how to defend itself from the flu virus. Most vaccines do not actually contain any live strains and so, cannot give you the flu.

To ensure it remains effective, different flu vaccines are made and administered every year, to protect against the most prevalent strains of the virus. Only one dose is needed for each flu season, although you will need to get the jab again next year to ensure ongoing protection against the virus.

Once you get the jab, it takes around 10 to 14 days to work effectively. This is why it’s recommended to get it as soon as you’re offered it, so that you can be protected as soon as possible.

Can you still get the flu after your vaccination?

There’s still a chance you might catch the flu after getting your flu jab, but if you’re vaccinated, it’s likely that your symptoms will be milder and you’ll recover more quickly.

Therefore, while you may still get sick, the vaccination makes the illness less dangerous for you, especially if you’re older, have specific medical conditions or a compromised immune system.

Importantly, vaccination also limits the likelihood of transmission from person to person. This is why it’s so crucial to get the vaccination, as it’s not just your health at stake. If you visit young children or work in a profession where you come into contact with vulnerable people, it’s even more important!

Remember that we all come into contact with many other people every day, and any viruses or bugs you pass on to them, can then be passed on to everyone they come into contact with. This is how viruses spread and multiply, to the detriment of public health.

How long does the flu vaccine last?

Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the particular strains of flu virus circulating within the population that year, or more specifically, during that flu season. Viruses are known to mutate frequently, which potentially means they can bypass the defenses your immune system has put in place.

Each vaccination should remain effective and keep you protected throughout the winter, but you will need to get another jab every year.

If you have any questions visit your local Day Lewis Pharmacy today or book now.