Side effects: The private flu vaccine may cause mild side effects such as pain or soreness at the injection site, a slightly raised temperature, or an aching body. These side effects are usually mild and get better within 1 to 2 days.
Additional precautions: The flu vaccine helps protect against the most common flu viruses, but there is still a chance you could catch flu after vaccination. If this happens, it is likely to be milder and not last as long. Protection takes up to 14 days to build, so it is still sensible to practise good hand hygiene and avoid close contact with others when unwell.
Risks caused by flu: Flu can be a serious or even life-threatening illness, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions. It can cause fever, body aches, tiredness, and complications such as chest infections and pneumonia.