"Should I get the Flu vaccination in 2023?"

Here's What You Need to Know

The best time to get a flu vaccination is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading... which is now!


Don't miss a moment this winter,

get vaccinated and reduce your chances of being terrorised by flu this season.

Why get the flu vaccine?


  • Reduce your risk of getting the flu. The flu vaccine is not 100% effective, but it can significantly reduce your risk of getting the flu. In the UK, the flu vaccine is estimated to be about 59% effective in preventing flu illness in adults aged 18 to 65 years.
  • Reduce your risk of serious complications from the flu. If you do get the flu, the flu vaccine can help protect you from serious complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. The flu vaccine is especially important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from the flu, such as older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women.
  • Protect others from the flu. Even if you don't get sick from the flu, you can still spread the virus to others. The flu vaccine can help protect your loved ones, especially those who are at high risk of serious complications.
  • Help reduce the spread of the flu. When more people get vaccinated, it helps to reduce the spread of the flu virus in the community. This can help protect everyone, including people who are unable to get vaccinated.

fight the flu book now

Simply walk into the pharmacy and request a flu jab when convenient for you.

Alternatively, you can book an appointment that suits you.


Available from

Monday-Friday

9:30 - 17:30


Book an appointment

Don't miss a moment this winter



COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Common cold



COVID-19 Flu Common Cold
Cause of viral infection SARS-CoV-2 Acute influenza virus Mild rhinovirus
Onset from exposure Gradual onset over 2-10 days Sudden onset within 2 days Gradual onset over 1-2 days
High temperature Yes Yes: typically, 38ËšC to 40ËšC particularly in children Sometimes: · Unusual in adults/older children – if present, only slightly raised · Common in children/infants – fever of 38ËšC to 39ËšC
Cough Yes: new and continuous – coughing for more than an hour; or 3 or more episodes in 24 hours Yes: dry cough Yes: mild cough that can be mucus producing and/or dry
Loss or change of smell Yes Sometimes Sometimes
Loss or change of taste Yes Sometimes Sometimes
Shortness of breath Yes Sometimes No
Fatigue Yes Yes Sometimes
Diarrhoea/ vomiting Yes Yes, in young children No
Chills Sometimes Yes No
Pain in eye/ light sensitivity No Yes, but less common Sometimes: irritability due to pressure in face
Skin rashes Yes: especially in younger people No No
Similarities
Spread Droplet Droplet Droplet
Blocked nose Yes Yes Yes
Sneezing, nasal discharge Yes Yes Yes
Sore throat Yes Yes Yes
Headache Yes Yes Yes
Muscle Aches Yes Yes Yes
COVID-19 Flu Common Cold
Cause of viral infection SARS-CoV-2 Acute influenza virus Mild rhinovirus
Onset from exposure Gradual onset over 2-10 days Sudden onset within 2 days Gradual onset over 1-2 days
High temperature Yes Yes: typically, 38ËšC to 40ËšC particularly in children Sometimes: · Unusual in adults/older children – if present, only slightly raised · Common in children/infants – fever of 38ËšC to 39ËšC
Cough Yes: new and continuous – coughing for more than an hour; or 3 or more episodes in 24 hours Yes: dry cough Yes: mild cough that can be mucus producing and/or dry
Loss or change of smell Yes Sometimes Sometimes
Loss or change of taste Yes Sometimes Sometimes
Shortness of breath Yes Sometimes No
Fatigue Yes Yes Sometimes
Diarrhoea/ vomiting Yes Yes, in young children No
Chills Sometimes Yes No
Pain in eye/ light sensitivity No Yes, but less common Sometimes: irritability due to pressure in face
Skin rashes Yes: especially in younger people No No
Similarities
Spread Droplet Droplet Droplet
Blocked nose Yes Yes Yes
Sneezing, nasal discharge Yes Yes Yes
Sore throat Yes Yes Yes
Headache Yes Yes Yes
Muscle Aches Yes Yes Yes

Want more health tips and information?

Join our mailing list:

Read more