# Get your seasonal flu vaccine Published by Pawel Jozefiak. [About this project](https://healthy100.jock.pl/about/), [How we check sources](https://healthy100.jock.pl/methodology/) - Canonical: https://healthy100.jock.pl/get-seasonal-flu-vaccine/ - Language: en - First published: 2026-09-27 - Evidence checked: 2026-09-28, using AI-assisted source verification - Clinical review: Not clinically reviewed - Number 31 of 100 in the list: https://healthy100.jock.pl/#get-seasonal-flu-vaccine Seasonal vaccination lowers the chance of flu and can prevent serious illness, especially in higher risk adults. **The number:** About 40% lower flu hospitalization risk in older adults in a review of 2010 to 2015 seasons ([CDC, 2026](https://www.cdc.gov/flu-vaccines-work/benefits/)) ## The evidence - Evidence grade: A. 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 - Outcome: flu hospitalization in older adults, review of 2010 to 2015 seasons - Comparison: Vaccinated versus unvaccinated older adults; varies by season - Impact: 69/100. The impact score is an editorial prioritization heuristic for the general list, not a validated estimate of your personal risk. ## 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 1. Check the current local flu vaccination offer before the season starts. 2. Book a vaccine suited to your age and health. 3. If you are 65 or older, ask which vaccine is preferred for your age group. 4. Tell the vaccinator if you are pregnant, immunocompromised or had a serious vaccine reaction. ## Talk to a clinician first The nasal spray is unsuitable during pregnancy and for some medical conditions. A vaccinator can advise on product choice and timing. ## Putting it into practice ### Start now - 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. ### What it looks like - 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. ### Common mistakes - Last year's vaccination does not cover every future season, so check the offer each year. - Vaccine products differ, so let the vaccinator check age, pregnancy and health conditions before choosing one. ### A structured start **Get ready for flu season** 1. Check when the current local campaign opens and whether you are eligible. 2. Ask which product fits your circumstances and book with a vaccination service. 3. Attend when advised and keep a record for your next seasonal review. ### Trusted how-to guides - [Flu vaccine: who can have it and how to book](https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/), NHS ## 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. [Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna ČR](https://www.vzp.cz/pojistenci/prevence/ockovani/nepovinna-hrazena-ockovani), checked 2026-09-28 ## In Germany 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](https://www.infektionsschutz.de/impfen/fuer-erwachsene/grippe-impfung-bei-erwachsenen/), checked 2026-09-28 ## In Spain 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](https://www.sanidad.gob.es/areas/promocionPrevencion/vacunaciones/gripe_covid19/docs/preguntasyRespuestas_VacunacionGripe_2026_2027.pdf), checked 2026-09-28 ## In Netherlands 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](https://www.rivm.nl/griep-griepprik/griepprik), checked 2026-09-28 ## In Poland 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](https://szczepienia.pzh.gov.pl/faq/jak-sa-refundowane-szczepionki-przeciw-grypie-w-sezonie-2026-2027/), checked 2026-09-28 ## Sources - [Interim Clinical Considerations for the Use of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in the United States](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/vax-summary/seasonal-influenza-vaccines.html), CDC, 2026 (Tier 1 guideline) - [Benefits of Flu Vaccination](https://www.cdc.gov/flu-vaccines-work/benefits/), CDC, 2026 (Tier 1 guideline) --- 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. Report an error: meet@jock.pl Reuse: CC BY 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/