The flu jab is an annual vaccination that protects you against the influenza virus, better known as the flu. The flu can cause a severe cold with fever, coughing, muscle pain and fatigue. If you have a weakened immune system, are elderly or have a chronic illness, you are particularly at risk of becoming seriously ill with the flu. The flu jab is administered at your GP's surgery between mid-October and the end of November.
The flu jab contains small pieces of different types of dead flu viruses. These pieces are harmless. They cause your body to produce antibodies against the flu virus. About two weeks after the flu jab, you will have enough antibodies. If the flu virus enters your body after these two weeks, the antibodies can render it harmless. The antibodies therefore ensure that you do not become ill from the virus, or that you become less ill.
The flu jab only protects you against the most common flu viruses. This means you are not protected against other viruses, such as the virus that causes the common cold or the coronavirus.
The flu virus changes regularly, so it is important to get a new flu jab every year so that your body can produce new antibodies. By getting vaccinated, you also reduce the chance of catching the flu and prevent passing the virus on to vulnerable people around you.
You can receive the flu jab and the coronavirus jab shortly after one another. There is no need to leave any time between them.
The flu jab is recommended for:
In the autumn, you will receive an invitation from your GP for a free flu jab.
The flu jab is generally safe. Your arm may be sore for 1 or 2 days after the jab. The injection site on your arm may be painful, red or swollen. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days. You may feel a little unwell for a few days after the jab. This is not the flu. You cannot catch the flu from the flu jab itself.
Serious side effects from the flu jab are uncommon.
Tips to ensure you do not catch or spread viruses:
The flu jab can be administered together with the coronavirus vaccine. For other vaccinations, please check with the RIVM or the specialist who prescribes it.
Do you have a fever or are you feeling really ill? Then you cannot have the flu jab yet. You can make a new appointment once your fever has gone. Do you just have a cold? Then you can have the flu jab.
No, you can only get the flu jab once your symptoms have subsided. The invitation explains how you can make a new appointment.
Discuss this with your GP beforehand. They can assess with you whether you can safely receive the flu jab or whether another solution is required.
Always consult your doctor or specialist. They are best placed to determine whether and when you can safely receive the flu jab during or after your treatment.
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