Every year, as flu season approaches, many people wonder whether they should get the flu vaccine. Some may be concerned about its effectiveness, while others question whether it’s necessary at all. But what does science say? The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and complications from the flu. It helps protect not only individuals but also vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.
The flu vaccine is an important tool in our arsenal against seasonal influenza. Each year, it plays a crucial role in protecting millions of people from the flu, reducing the severity of symptoms, and preventing complications. But what exactly is the flu vaccine, and why is it so vital?
Flu season is nearly upon us and for a lot of people, this means the risk of headaches, chills and lethargy. However, the risk of influenza is much more serious than that. We delve into the science behind one of the most prevalent infections worldwide – influenza.
In its most basic form, influenza is an acute infection that is easily spread from one person to another. Touching a trolley handle, pressing a button on an elevator, having someone with the virus cough or sneeze near you – even shaking their hand – are all way’s that you can become infected with influenza.
It is easy to see just how rapidly influenza can spread, often causing epidemics worldwide. Many people do not know that they are more likely to have a heart attack during the week after being diagnosed with influenza, as the flu virus inflames your heart muscles thereby increasing the risk of heart attack. The risk can continue months after the infection has left your system.
“The most successful intervention for seasonal influenza has proven to be the flu vaccine.”
Similarly, if you suffer from diabetes, influenza can pose increased complications, as the flu causes your body to release extra glucose into your system in response to infection.
These are just two examples of the many complications caused from influenza that doctors witness every year. While everyone is at risk, there are certain groups that are more prone to not only being infected with the flu virus, but also the serious complications that can come with it: children under the age of five, pregnant women, people suffering from chronic diseases and those over the age of 65.
To understand the impact of influenza globally and in South Africa, there is clear evidence that a significant proportion of adults will suffer and/or die with influenza this year.
Not only are we all personally at risk, but so is the economy. The disruption and productivity losses within the work and school environment is evident in the number of flu-related hospital and doctor visits reported annually across various countries.
Decades of epidemiology studies have shown that the circulation of influenza viruses is highly unpredictable every year. The circulation of the main four influenza virus strains varies in time throughout influenza season and across geographies.
“It’s important to vaccinate against influenza on an annual basis, as vaccination can provide protection against the most prevalent flu strains. Vaccinating with influenza vaccines can reduce the risk of people contracting the flu virus thereby reducing some of the serious complications of influenza infections,” says Merilynn Matthew, GM of Sanofi Pasteur, South Africa.
What can be done?
The most successful intervention for seasonal influenza has proven to be the flu vaccine. Every public health body, including the WHO and the US CDC, strongly recommends the administration of the flu vaccine to reduce the risk of infection with influenza strains and the subsequent complications that can affect patients, especially those in known high-risk groups such as pregnant women, diabetics, the elderly, and those infected with HIV.
This is not to say that people who do not fall within these high-risk groups should forego the vaccination. Everyone is at risk of contracting influenza. Importantly, getting the vaccination is something that will benefit a person directly and will also help the flu from spreading to people who are at a higher risk of developing serious complications. This is often referred to as ‘herd immunity’ – where the collective community that are vaccinated indirectly assist ‘protect’ the more vulnerable members of society who cannot be vaccinated at that time. 
If you have ever wondered what difference the flu vaccine can really make, take the following into account: If Europe managed to reach just 75% vaccination target in their at-risk population, they would prevent approximately 100 000 hospitalisations and 50 000 deaths associated with influenza every year. That is a lot of lives saved through the simple solution of vaccination.
In a recent comprehensive study, the flu vaccine significantly reduced mortality due to influenza-induced stroke, heart attack, diabetes complications, pneumonia and childhood deaths. Annual influenza vaccination is considered to be the most effective way that people can help boost their chances of avoiding the flu and its severe complications.
All public health bodies – including the Department of Health South Africa as well as international bodies such as the WHO and the US CDC, reinforce their recommendation to get vaccinated against influenza, each year.
Note: Most medical aids cover the flu vaccine now, so check with your medical aid scheme to see you will be covered under their screening and prevention benefits.
Source: Sanofi Pasteur, South Africa. References available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Flu Vaccine: What You Need to Know
What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against seasonal influenza (flu). It helps the immune system recognise and fight the flu virus, reducing the risk of severe illness and complications.
Why should I get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine lowers the risk of serious flu-related complications, particularly for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions. It also helps reduce the spread of flu within the community.
When should I get the flu vaccine?
It’s best to get vaccinated before flu season begins, usually in autumn (March to May in South Africa), as it takes about two weeks for immunity to develop. However, vaccination is still beneficial even after flu season has started.
How does the flu vaccine work?
The vaccine contains inactive or weakened flu viruses that help the body develop antibodies. These antibodies recognise and fight the flu virus if exposed later, reducing the severity of illness.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, the flu vaccine cannot cause flu because it does not contain live viruses. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as a low-grade fever or soreness at the injection site, but these are temporary and far less severe than the flu itself.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months old, particularly:
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- Children under five years old
- Adults over 65 years
- People with chronic illnesses (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
Who should not get the flu vaccine?
People with severe allergies to vaccine ingredients (such as egg protein or previous flu vaccine reactions) should consult a doctor before vaccination. Babies under six months old are too young for the flu vaccine.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine does not guarantee complete protection, but it significantly reduces the risk of infection and severity of symptoms. If vaccinated individuals still catch the flu, they are less likely to experience severe complications or require hospitalisation.
Does the flu vaccine protect against COVID-19?
No, the flu vaccine only protects against influenza, not COVID-19. However, getting vaccinated reduces the overall burden on the healthcare system and prevents complications from dual infections.
Can I get the flu vaccine while pregnant?
Yes, the flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy and can protect both the mother and baby from flu-related complications. It also provides newborns with passive immunity for the first few months of life.
How often do I need to get the flu vaccine?
Flu viruses change each year, so the vaccine is updated annually. It is recommended to get vaccinated every year to stay protected against new flu strains.
Are there any side effects of the flu vaccine?
Most side effects are mild and temporary, including:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever or fatigue for 1–2 days
- Headache or muscle aches (in rare cases)
Serious allergic reactions are very rare, but seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing or swelling after vaccination.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I have a cold?
If you have a mild cold, you can still receive the flu vaccine. However, if you have a high fever or feel very unwell, it may be best to wait until you recover before getting vaccinated.
Where can I get the flu vaccine in South Africa?
The flu vaccine is available at GPs, pharmacies, clinics, and public healthcare facilities across South Africa. Some workplaces and medical aid providers also offer flu shots as part of wellness programmes.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. If you have concerns about the flu vaccine, consult a doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
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