The influenza (flu) vaccine: why it's not just for the elderly

Anyone can catch influenza or 'the flu' - being fit and healthy does not stop you from getting it, nor does the fact you've had it before, because the strains of influenza virus change from year to year.

Influenza is a serious and highly contagious illness - it can knock the healthiest of people out of action for a week or more. Flu is often called a respiratory disease, but it can affect the whole body. It can be life-threatening.

For more information on the flu, see our topic on Influenza -what is it?

Why risk getting the flu (or passing it on) when you can prevent it?

Having a 'flu shot' is the best way to protect against the unpleasant effects of influenza: headaches, fever and aches and pains. It will also greatly reduce your risk of serious complications that can develop from the flu. As a result you'll have fewer days away from work and caring for family (and fewer days missing out on social activities or holidays).

Because it can take one to three days for flu symptoms to appear after being exposed to the flu virus, you can unknowingly pass it on. If you live or work with people who are at much greater risk of complications from flu than yourself - the elderly or those with long term conditions - it is worth you considering having the flu vaccination to help protect their health.

Once symptoms do appear, typically the person requires three to four days in bed followed by two or more weeks to make a full recovery. In terms of work, the flu is responsible for 10-12% of all absenteeism, according to a 1993 study. A later study also showed that a flu vaccination programme carried out in 1997/8 reduced the number of flu cases that resulted in sick leave by 82%.

How do I get vaccinated against the flu?

You can get the flu vaccine by making a single visit to your doctor or practice nurse. It takes two weeks after vaccination for the vaccine to be fully effective - you may still develop influenza in this time if you come into contact with the virus, so get it done early in time for winter.

Each year a new flu vaccine is developed to match the different strains of flu virus you are likely to encounter. In New Zealand, the new vaccine is normally made available in early March and people are advised to have the vaccine before the winter season when the flu is most prevalent.

New vaccines are made each year, depending on the strains of virus that are around, so it is important to have one every year. The influenza vaccine will vastly improve your chances of not getting the flu, but it does not give 100% protection.

2011 vaccine includes swine flu protection

The 2011 seasonal influenza vaccine again includes protection against the swine flu (A/H1N1 pandemic influenza), in addition to two other flu strains. See www.fightflu.co.nz for more details.

People aged 65 years and over, those under 65 with some long term health problems, and pregnant women can get the flu vaccination for free from their doctor or nurse (see further below). Those under 18 years old and living in Canterbury also qualify for free flu vaccination in 2011 (until 31 July).  

If you live or work with people more likely to have complications as a result of influenza (see below) or are working in an essential service (eg, police, hospital workers, teachers, etc) you should ask their doctor or practice nurse about getting vaccinated. Some workplaces will arrange for flu vaccination for employees each year before the onset of the winter season - check whether yours is one of them.

Influenza vaccine should not be given to babies under six months or people who have severe allergies to hen's eggs or who have had strong reactions to a flu vaccine before.

Pregnant women at risk from swine flu

Pregnant women may develop serious complications from the swine flu. Therefore, pregnant women are being encouraged to have the 2011 seasonal influenza vaccination, as this includes protection against the swine flu strain.

Vaccination with the 2011 influenza vaccine is free for pregnant women - these women should discuss having the vaccine with their doctor or LMC. For more information see www.fightflu.co.nz

Vaccination is free for some groups

From early March each year (for a specified period), immunisation is free for New Zealanders aged 65 years and over, and children and adults under 65 who have certain medical conditions or meet eligibility requirements.

In 2011, seasonal influenza immunisation is available free until 31 July for people who meet any of the following criteria:

• are pregnant
• are significantly overweight
• use asthma preventers
• have diabetes
• have heart disease
• have kidney problems
• are a child aged 6 months to their 5th birthday, thought to be at high risk
• are aged 65 years or over
• or have a serious medical condition, like cancer.

Canterbury residents aged under 18 years (2011): The Canterbury District Health Board is extending the eligibility for free flu vaccine for the 2011 season to under-18-year-olds living in Canterbury. The vaccine will be available free until 31 July. Contact your medical centre for vaccination.

All other groups - check with your general practice if you are uncertain about whether you qualify for a free vaccination.

Will the influenza vaccine make me sick?

• Most people generally tolerate the vaccine well
• The vaccine cannot cause influenza because it does not contain any live viruses
• People with severe allergies to eggs or egg products should not receive influenza vaccine, as it is prepared from influenza viruses grown in eggs
• Any after effects from the vaccine are usually mild and last a day or two, eg:
  -Soreness, aching and/or redness at the injection site
  -Tiredness, feeling a little unwell or having a mild fever.

What to do if you feel mildly sick

• Take paracetamol as advised by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist
• Make sure you drink extra fluids
• Place a cool wet flannel over the injection site to reduce redness and soreness.

These mild after-effects are signs your immune system is working with the vaccine. It is important to let your doctor know if you have any more severe reaction to the flu vaccination, or if you are at all concerned.

If you are travelling

Whether or not you are at high risk for the complications of flu, you should consider getting a flu vaccination before travelling overseas because, depending on your destination, you may be some distance from medications and medical care of the standard you are used to.

Also, the flu season varies around the world. A relatively inexpensive flu vaccination before you go can reduce the effects of catching flu while abroad, and help to avoid spoiling your trip.

Further information

To find out more about the influenza vaccine call your doctor or nurse, or contact the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) - details under Further Information and Support below.

Also see the topic Vaccination - how it works for more information on how immunisation works in the body.

Written by everybody and reviewed in 2006 by IMAC, University of Auckland. Updated by everybody, 2011.