Flu & The Flu Vaccine

Understanding the flu and flu vaccine:

Flu is an extremely infectious viral illness that affects the respiratory tract and can be life threatening. In winter months flu out-break is quite common and can cause many unwanted health complications or hospitalisation. The best way to protect you and your family is by getting the flu vaccine. The Flu Vaccine is particularly recommended for certain groups - those aged over 60 years, children aged 2 to 17 years (nasal spray), pregnant women, and for those in the at-risk categories. Call to one of our local pharmacies or book an appointment on our website here.

Common Symptoms of the flu:

• High fever
• General aches and pains
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
  
  

When should I get the Flu Vaccine?

It takes your body 10 to 21 days to produce an immune response to the flu virus after getting the vaccine. Consequently, we recommend getting the flu vaccine as early as possible. If you have only recently had your Covid or Pneumonia vaccine (also available at Hickey’s Pharmacies) you can still get your flu vaccine.

Are there any side effects?

The vaccine does not give you the flu but you may have some mild side effects after the vaccine as your body’s immune system works to produce antibodies against the flu virus. The most common side effects are usually mild and include fever, shivering, muscle and joint aches and pains. Sometimes there can be pain swelling and bruising at the injection site. These side effects are usually self-limiting and can be managed by taking some paracetamol, getting rest and taking fluids. Severe allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are rare. You will be asked to wait for 5 minutes in the pharmacy and for 10 minutes in the vicinity to enable our highly trained teams to assist you if you do experience a reaction to the vaccine.

Flu Vaccine for Children

Flu vaccination in children aged 2 to 17 years is delivered via a small nasal spray into each nostril. It is non-invasive and is not painful. It is still effective even if the child sneezes, blows their nose or has a runny nose after vaccination. By vaccinating children, it helps reduce the risk of catching the seasonal flu and minimises absence from school or trips to the doctor. It reduces the risk of passing it onto vulnerable grandparents or those with underling illness. All children in this age category are entitled to a free vaccine.

Booking a Flu Vaccine

To find out more about booking your flu vaccine click here or click the 'Book Now' button below.