Your Health, Your Flu Shot

The flu shot is a powerful defence against seasonal influenza, helping to protect individuals from a virus that can lead to serious health complications. By preventing flu-related illnesses, hospitalisations, and even deaths, the flu shot is key to maintaining the health and well-being of our community.

How Does It Work?
The flu shot works by priming the immune system to recognise and fight flu viruses. When you receive the vaccine, it introduces small, inactive parts of the virus into your system, prompting your immune response to develop protective antibodies. These antibodies help to shield you if you are exposed to the flu later in the season, reducing the chances of getting sick. If you do get the flu, your symptoms are likely to be milder and less dangerous. Because flu strains change each year, the vaccine is updated annually to target the most common strains predicted to circulate, making yearly flu shots essential for effective protection.

Why the Flu Shot is Especially Important This Winter 
Flu season tends to peak in the winter months due to colder weather and lowered immune defences, all of which make it easier for flu viruses to spread. The flu shot is especially important during this time, as it provides the best protection against this highly contagious virus.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?
The flu shot is recommended for nearly everyone over the age of six months. Certain groups are at higher risk for severe flu complications, including:

• Elderly individuals
• Pregnant women
• Young children
• Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease

Getting vaccinated provides significant benefits to the community as a whole, which is why it should be a shared responsibility for everyone to get their flu shot. Even healthy individuals help to protect more vulnerable members by reducing the chances of spreading the virus. This makes the flu shot a safe, simple step that we can all take to ensure community-wide protection during flu season.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About the Flu Shot
Many people hesitate to get the flu shot due to common myths and misconceptions that can cloud the public understanding of its benefits.

1. “The flu shot can give you the flu”

The vaccine contains inactivated virus particles that cannot cause infection.

2. “Healthy individuals do not need the flu shot”

Even individuals in good health can experience serious flu complications and may unknowingly spread the virus to others.

3. “The vaccine is ineffective if I have had the flu or vaccination”

Due to flu strains evolving, an annual vaccination is important for updated immunity. Dispelling these myths is important to ensure everyone makes informed choices about protecting themselves and others during flu season.