Every person can benefit from the protection offered by the flu vaccination. However, for children or seniors aged 65 or above who are more vulnerable to complications when they have the flu, flu shots are a must.
You can get a flu shot at any time of the year, but for the most effective protection, it’s best to get the flu shot right before the winter flu season starts.
At Miles Pharmacy we’ve got you covered for this year’s flu season! Come into any of our South London branches to get your flu shot.
Here’s what seniors and parents need to know about the flu vaccination.
Safe and effective vaccination against the flu
The flu shot is safe to take and will significantly reduce your risk of getting or spreading the flu. Unlike the many routine vaccines given in early childhood, flu shots have to be reformulated each year, as new variants of influenza circulate and mutate.
Flu shots for seniors
Seniors aged 65 years or older are at high-risk for serious complications caused by the flu. As you age the immune system struggles more to protect you from illnesses like the flu. Seniors account for at least half of hospitalizations due to flu. Seniors should get vaccinated yearly against the flu to prevent getting the flu and avoid serious symptoms if they do get the flu.
Flu shots for children
If you are wondering, should I give my child the flu vaccine? The answer is yes.
Children under the age of 2 are at a greater risk of severe flu complications. For kids, the flu is much more serious than the common cold. Millions of children get sick with the flu every year, many of whom are hospitalized, and some die due to complications.
The benefits of flu vaccines in babies and children include decreased flu infections, lost work school days, doctor visits, and the risk of flu-related hospitalization and mortality in children. Flu jabs for children are as important as for seniors. Kids 6 months and older can receive the flu shot.
Common side effects of the flu vaccine in babies may include:
- Pain at the injection site.
- Headache.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Muscle aches.
To schedule your vaccination appointment, or to learn more about the flu vaccine, get in touch with the team at Miles Pharmacy today. We have many convenient locations in South London where we administer routine and travel vaccinations. Visit us online at www.milespharmacy.com.