Flu Vaccination Consent Information

 

We strongly recommend that your read all the information so you are fully informed in able to consent

Flu is a disease that can spread rapidly and is caused by different strains that can change each season. A vaccine is developed to protect against the strains of the virus that are expected to be most prevalent each winter which is why the vaccine is annual.

The vaccine is given by a very quick injection into the muscle at the top of an arm and your immune system will produce its own protection against the infection. None of the ingredients can cause flu. The incubation period for flu is a few days, so if you are exposed immediately before or after the vaccine you may still develop flu.  The vaccine will take effect after 2-3 weeks and the protections lasts for 6-12 months. The vaccine will not protect you against the common cold or Coronavirus.

As with any medication or vaccine there are potential side effects, which are normally mild. Common side effects include local redness, swelling and pain at the injection site, generally feeling unwell, headache, raised temperature, muscle or joint pains. Very rarely the vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction; when giving the vaccine we have the emergency equipment required to deal with such an event. 

For further information on the vaccine and potential effects see: 

You should not receive this vaccine if you have developed Guillain Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving a previous flu vaccine, or had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to anything.

The vaccine should be postponed if you are acutely unwell or feverish.

In addition, please make us aware if you are receiving chemotherapy, on Warfarin or other blood thinners or you may be pregnant.

Published: Sep 19, 2023