Influenza (Flu) vaccine factsheet – Information for patients, parents and carers
Patient factsheet providing information on influenza (flu) and flu vaccination.
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Influenza (flu) is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that spread easily through coughs, sneezes, and close contact. Flu can cause sudden fever, tiredness, aches and pains, and difficulty breathing. Many people recover within a week, but flu can sometimes lead to serious illness and complications, especially in young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with long-term health conditions.
Influenza is seasonal, which means you are more likely to catch it in winter. Unlike some viruses, the influenza viruses are constantly changing. This means that each year, to prepare for the upcoming flu season, scientists across the world collect and look at information about which new flu viruses are emerging. Seasonal flu vaccines are therefore updated each year to match the strains of the virus that are expected to circulate.
Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to help reduce the chance of getting flu and to lower the risk of serious illness if you do catch it. Influenza vaccines used in the UK have been rigorously assessed for safety, quality and effectiveness, and continue to be monitored, including through the Yellow Card scheme.
This factsheet covers:
- Overview of flu
- Flu vaccination and eligibility
- How flu vaccines work
- Types of flu vaccines
- Flu vaccines and pregnancy
- Safety and effectiveness of flu vaccines
- How flu vaccines are updated
- Who should not receive the flu vaccine
- Flu vaccine side effects
- Less common side effects
- Report side effects to the Yellow Card scheme