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The flu vaccine and why it matters
- Dr Conor Kenny
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
The Flu Vaccine — Why It Still Matters This Winter
We’ve really noticed a change in the weather these last two weeks since October arrived — there’s definitely a chill in the air. The darker mornings are creeping in, and with them comes the start of another flu season. Every year around this time, I am reminded how small habits, like getting the flu vaccine, can make a big difference later on.
What the flu vaccine actually does
The flu vaccine doesn’t stop every cough or sniffle. You can still pick up other mild winter viruses. But it does reduce your chance of catching true influenza by around 40–60% in a typical season (HSE).
That might sound less than perfect — and it is. The flu virus changes slightly every year, so the vaccine has to be updated annually to match the most likely strains. That’s why it can’t offer 100% protection. But even partial protection can make a real difference.
If 100 people were likely to catch flu this winter, vaccination could mean only 40–60 would get it.
That might not seem huge at first glance — but from my perspective, it’s enormous!
It means fewer people needing emergency department attendance or hospital admission, fewer families worrying, and fewer staff off sick when others need help most. And remember, if you live with a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, the vaccine’s protection can go even further. Your body is already carrying an extra load, so any shield — even a partial one — can make a world of difference.
The flu vaccine is free and for eligibility check out the HSE website
Here at Charlestown Family Health Practice, you can book online for your flu jab or simply call reception, and we’ll arrange a time that suits.
“But I always get the flu after the jab…”
You can’t get the flu from the adult flu vaccine. The jab contains a killed (inactivated) version of the virus, so it cannot cause infection. What some people notice afterwards — a sore arm, mild aches, or a sniffly nose — is your immune system learning how to respond.
In contrast Children’s flu vaccines are given as a nasal spray and contain a live but very weak form of the virus. It’s designed to help build immunity without causing flu illness. Both types have been tested for decades and remain extremely safe.
I often say to patients, “If that’s the worst of it, you probably got away lightly.” Compared to real flu, that small reaction is nothing.
As an aside, people often confuse flu with the common cold. A cold gives you a blocked or runny nose, maybe a mild cough, and settles within a week. Flu is different — it comes on fast, with high fever, chills, aches, and exhaustion that can leave you in bed for days. The flu vaccine protects against this serious, body-wide illness, not the sniffles that most of us get each winter.
Why vaccination is important to me
Access to vaccines is a privilage. Back in 2016, I worked in Greece — in Idomeni and on Lesbos Island — as part of a team that helped vaccinate around 15,000 children who had fled war and had no access to basic healthcare. Many had never received a single routine vaccine. As children embarked on their journey, that added later of protection provided greater hope in a truly bleak situation. Not all were that fortunate.
A story from our side
For those of us working in health, the flu vaccine is a yearly habit. I’ve had it every autumn for years. Even with it, I’ll still have a few colds and sniffles through the winter — that’s just life with the weathers in this part of the world. But there’s no doubt that the vaccine helps protect me, my colleagues, and our patients from something much more serious.
When flu hits properly, it hits hard — and most people only realise the difference once they’ve seen what the flu can truly do.
Realistic expectations
The flu vaccine won’t keep you from every cough or cold. But it can keep you out of hospital, keep you breathing easier, and keep you home instead of struggling through weeks of recovery. It’s about staying well enough to live your life — and protecting the people around you too.
Small steps, taken early, spare big worries later.
“Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.”
We live in each other’s shadow — we depend on one another.
Further Reading & Reliable Sources
Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and education only. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s health situation is different. If you have questions about your own health, please speak directly with your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional. While we use trusted sources such as the HSE, NHS, and recognised patient charities, medicine changes constantly. Always seek individual medical advice before making health decisions.
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