Get your seasonal flu vaccine
Seasonal vaccination lowers the chance of flu and can prevent serious illness, especially in higher risk adults.
The number, drawn
Why it matters
Flu can cause pneumonia and worsen existing health conditions. A review cited by CDC found about 40% lower flu hospitalization risk in older adults across the 2010 to 2015 seasons. Protection varies with the season, the vaccine match and the person, which is why a fresh seasonal vaccination matters.
How to do it
- Check the current local flu vaccination offer before the season starts.
- Book a vaccine suited to your age and health.
- If you are 65 or older, ask which vaccine is preferred for your age group.
- Tell the vaccinator if you are pregnant, immunocompromised or had a serious vaccine reaction.
The nasal spray is unsuitable during pregnancy and for some medical conditions. A vaccinator can advise on product choice and timing.
Do it
Pick the time you have. Anything beats nothing.
Start with the time you have
1 minute
Prepare one booking question: which flu vaccine is suitable for my age, health conditions and any pregnancy?
5 minutes
Check the current local flu offer and request a suitable appointment through your clinic, pharmacy or maternity service.
15 minutes
Gather details of any serious previous vaccine reaction and your health conditions, then check appointment access and timing.
A plan
Get ready for flu season
- Check when the current local campaign opens and whether you are eligible.
- Ask which product fits your circumstances and book with a vaccination service.
- Attend when advised and keep a record for your next seasonal review.
In real life
- Ask a local pharmacy which flu appointments are available for your age group.
- If you are pregnant, ask your maternity team about this season's flu vaccination.
Watch out for
- Common mistakeLast year's vaccination does not cover every future season, so check the offer each year.
- Common mistakeVaccine products differ, so let the vaccinator check age, pregnancy and health conditions before choosing one.
Trusted guides
In Czechia
In Czechia, public insurance covers the flu vaccine from 65 and for selected groups. If you choose a vaccine other than the cheapest one, you pay the difference.
In Germany, STIKO recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone from 60, people with a chronic illness at any age, pregnant women and care home residents. From 60, a high-dose or MF-59-adjuvanted vaccine is recommended. The best time is October to mid-December.
Bundesinstitut für Öffentliche Gesundheit, infektionsschutz.de checked
In Spain, flu vaccination for the 2026 to 2027 season is recommended for people aged 60 or over, children aged 6 to 59 months, people aged 5 to 59 with listed risk conditions (smokers included), and all pregnant women. Each region runs its own campaign.
Ministerio de Sanidad checked
In the Netherlands, the flu jab is free for people 60 and over and for people with certain medical conditions. The GP or institutional doctor sends invitations in October and November.
RIVM checked
In Poland, in the 2026/2027 season the flu vaccine is free for children from 6 months to 18, people 65 and over, and pregnant or postpartum women. Adults 18 to 64 get 50% reimbursement, as does Efluelda for 60 and over. A prescription from a doctor or pharmacist is needed.
Szczepienia.info, NIZP PZH-PIB checked
Check usSources
- Evidence grade
- A Meta-analyses of randomised trials, or a major guideline consensus.
- Basis
- CDC 2026 guidance and a cited systematic review of flu hospitalization in older adults
- The number
- About 40% lower flu hospitalization risk in older adults in a review of 2010 to 2015 seasons (CDC, 2026)
- Outcome
- flu hospitalization in older adults, review of 2010 to 2015 seasons
- Comparison
- Vaccinated versus unvaccinated older adults; varies by season
- Tier 1 guidelineInterim Clinical Considerations for the Use of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in the United StatesCDC, 2026
- Tier 1 guidelineBenefits of Flu VaccinationCDC, 2026
General health information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Personalization changes the order of suggestions; it does not assess your medical risks. Follow the cautions and consult a qualified clinician when needed.