What should you know about national influenza vaccination week?

National influenza vaccination week is an opportunity to learn about seasonal flu vaccination and arrange advice or vaccination when appropriate. The campaign does not replace an individual assessment: eligibility, timing, vaccine choice, and precautions depend on your health and local guidance.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause fever, chills, cough, headache, fatigue, and feeling generally unwell. Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise influenza strains included in the seasonal vaccine. It cannot treat an illness you already have, and protection is not a promise that infection cannot occur. The aim is to reduce the chance of serious illness and help protect people who may become very unwell. Influenza can sometimes lead to Pneumonia.

Ask a qualified vaccination provider whether the seasonal vaccine is suitable for you, especially if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition, have had a serious reaction to a vaccine, or take medicines that affect immunity. Share your current symptoms and vaccination history. If you feel acutely ill, ask whether to postpone. After vaccination, follow the provider's advice about expected local effects and when protection is expected to develop. Continue hand hygiene and stay home when unwell.

Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, severe dehydration, or a rapidly worsening illness. Contact a clinician promptly if fever or cough improves and then returns strongly, or if an older adult, young child, pregnant person, or someone with a chronic condition develops concerning symptoms. Vaccine-related swelling of the face or difficulty breathing requires emergency help.

Ask whether vaccination is recommended for you, which precautions apply, and what to do if you are already experiencing fever or cough. Confirm whether another appointment is needed for follow-up and which symptoms should trigger urgent assessment.