Flu vaccination for people over 65

Why should older people get the flu vaccine?

For people of all age groups, the flu virus can be dangerous. The majority of flu related deaths are in adults aged 65 and older. People aged 65 years and over are more at risk of severe illness, hospitalisation or death from flu. The flu vaccine is the best protection against flu.

Do I still need to get the flu vaccination if I had it last year?

Yes, as the flu viruses changes each year. As a result, this year's flu strains may be different from previous years and the vaccines used to protect them may differ. As well as this, the flu vaccination effectiveness deteriorates over time.

We are now offering a Combo Vaccination service where you can get both the flu and Pneumococcal vaccine at the same appointment. This is highly recommended for the over 65's age group.

Who should not get the flu vaccination?

Please speak to your pharmacist or doctor for information about the flu vaccine if any of the below apply to you:

• Have ever experienced a severe allergic response to the flu vaccine or any component of the vaccine.
• Are currently taking medications known as combination checkpoint inhibitors, such as ipilimumab and nivolumab;
• If you have primary autoimmune neutropenia, which is characterised by low amounts of a certain type of white blood cell.

What about people with egg allergy?

Before receiving the vaccination, let your immunisation provider know if you have an allergy to eggs. Most people who are allergic to eggs can receive the flu vaccination.

What potential side effects are there?

You may experience a few mild side effects following the vaccination. These may consist of:

• Swelling, redness, or pain where the injection was administered
• Headache
• Fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
• Aches
• Mild sweating and shivering
• Feeling tired

Have a rest and take paracetamol if you experience any of these side effects.

Do I need any other vaccinations?

If you are 65 or older or have a long-term medical condition, you should also ask your GP (Doctor) or pharmacist about the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumonia. You usually only need to get pneumococcal vaccine once. You can get this vaccine on the same day as the flu vaccine by booking for the Combo Flu & Pneumococcal Vaccine

The flu vaccine doesn’t protect against COVID-19. It is important to get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. This is because Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses. Flu and COVID-19 can both cause serious illness and if you get them you might need to be admitted to hospital.

It may be difficult to tell the symptoms of flu apart from the symptoms of COVID-19. If you have had the COVID-19 vaccine you should still get the flu vaccine. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine if you are eligible to receive it and it is offered to you.

How do I obtain the flu vaccination?

You and your children can have your flu vaccination administered in your local LloydsPharmacy. You can book an appointment through our online booking tool.