Flu vaccination in older adults

With age, the immune response can become less strong, and flu may worsen conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, or blood sugar. Vaccination gives the immune system a chance to recognise influenza before exposure. It does not prevent every respiratory infection and does not cure flu already present.

A sore arm, tenderness, tiredness, or a mild temperature can follow vaccination. These effects are generally short-lived. Vaccine choice may depend on age, health history, allergies, and the products available through the local service.

Bring an up-to-date list of medicines and medical conditions, and mention previous vaccine reactions or severe allergies. Ask the clinician how flu vaccination fits with other scheduled vaccines and whether a particular formulation is recommended. If you are acutely unwell, ask whether to postpone rather than deciding alone.

Afterward, keep the arm moving gently, drink fluids, and use pain or fever medicine only when a clinician or pharmacist confirms it is suitable with your medicines and conditions.

Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, collapse, or sudden severe weakness after vaccination. Contact a clinician if a reaction is worsening, if fever or pain is concerning, or if flu-like symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, or inability to drink.

Which vaccine is appropriate for me? Does my heart, lung, kidney, or blood sugar condition change the advice? How should vaccination be timed with my medicines or other vaccines? Which symptoms require urgent help?