Flu Vaccine: Why It Matters and Who Should Get It

Flu can be mild for some people and serious for others. Vaccination is one of the main ways health agencies recommend to reduce the chance of becoming seriously ill. This article explains what the CDC says about who should get a flu vaccine and why, and where vaccination fits alongside other everyday habits. It does not replace personal advice from your doctor.

What the flu vaccine is for

The flu vaccine is designed to help protect you against influenza, a viral illness that can cause fever, aches, cough and exhaustion. The NHS describes flu as coming on very quickly and leaving people too unwell for normal activities. Vaccination aims to lower the chance of getting flu and of becoming seriously ill if you do.

What the CDC says about benefits

The CDC says flu vaccination prevents many illnesses and flu-related doctor visits. It estimates that during the 2019 to 2020 season, vaccination prevented about 7 million illnesses, 3 million medical visits, 100,000 hospitalisations and 7,000 deaths in the United States. The CDC also says that when the vaccine viruses match the flu viruses that are circulating, vaccination has been shown to lower the risk of needing to see a doctor for flu by 40% to 60%.

These figures come from the United States, and protection differs from year to year. Vaccination is not a promise that you will not get flu.

Who should get it?

According to the CDC, everyone aged 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions. It is especially important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications. The CDC and NHS name these groups as higher risk:

• Adults aged 65 or over
• Pregnant people
• Young children (the CDC mentions children under 5, especially under 2)
• People with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart, lung, kidney or liver conditions
• People with a weakened immune system

The CDC says people with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine, egg-based or not, that is suitable for their age and health. Anyone with a medical condition or past reaction to a vaccine should ask their doctor which vaccine is suitable.

Does it protect against colds?

No. The NHS says the flu vaccine does not protect against colds. Colds and flu are caused by different viruses, so other habits still matter.

Everyday habits that help

Vaccination works alongside simple steps recommended by the NHS and CDC:

• Washing hands often with soap and clean water
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the bend of your elbow
• Staying at home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for normal activities
• Avoiding close contact with people who are ill

When to see a doctor

Ask a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about the vaccine if you are in a higher-risk group or are unsure whether it is right for you. If you develop flu symptoms, the NHS advises seeking urgent advice if you feel very unwell or short of breath, are worried about a child, or are in a higher-risk group. The CDC lists these adult emergency warning signs: trouble breathing, persistent chest or stomach pain or pressure, ongoing dizziness or confusion, seizures, severe muscle pain or weakness, and a fever or cough that improves and then worsens.

In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in India, 911 in the United States).

Quick summary

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for nearly everyone aged 6 months and older, particularly people at higher risk. Vaccination lowers risk but is not a promise of protection, and it does not protect against colds. A healthcare professional can tell you which vaccine and timing suit you.