Vaccines have been a big part of our lives over the past couple of years. You may not think you need the flu vaccine since the flu is so common, however thousands of people are hospitalised each year in the UK because of the flu. Many of these people may even die.
Getting the flu jab is a safe, quick, and simple way to protect you and your loved ones from the flu.
How Well Do Flu Vaccines Work?
It will take around 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to start working. Once it starts to work, you should have protective antibodies against the flu for about 6 months. You’ll need to get a flu jab every year for continued protection, especially as flu strains evolve and change each year.
No vaccine is 100% effective, but even if you do get the flu after you’ve been vaccinated, your symptoms will be much milder than they would be if you weren’t vaccinated. The chances of you needing medical treatment or hospitalisation due to the flu will also be greatly reduced.
On average, around 2/3 of adults under the age of 65 who are vaccinated will have full protection against the flu. Up to 2/3 of children will also be protected.
The flu vaccine also benefits those around you. Some people are unable to get the vaccine and rely on herd immunity to stay safe.
How effective is the flu vaccine in 2022?
Every year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) monitors flu strains that pop up across the globe. Based on this data, they determine which strains are most likely to cause the flu in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Flu vaccine manufacturers will then create vaccines that protect against these strains.
When you get the jab, your body will start producing antibodies against the parts of the virus that have been introduced to your system. These antibodies are what will protect you against the flu. The jab will only protect you against specific strains and won’t work against the coronavirus. However, if you do get the coronavirus, you’ll be less likely to also get the flu. Having both viruses at the same time can potentially make you very ill.
Flu jab services in Wellesbourne can be accessed through Pharmacy to My Door. Book an appointment online today for flu vaccination in Shipston on Stour.
