Flu Vaccination
The flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of getting sick and can make symptoms milder if you do. The best protection comes from getting vaccinated before the peak season, which is usually from October to January. Because flu virus strains change, it is necessary to get vaccinated against the flu every year.
Who should get vaccinated?
- Anyone who wants to protect themselves from the seasonal flu virus.
- People in high-risk groups (e.g., older adults, patients with chronic diseases).
- People who work in fields with high exposure to others (e.g., healthcare professionals, service workers).
- Anyone traveling to regions where the flu is widespread.
Common symptoms
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Chills and fatigue
May be accompanied by severe weakness and general malaise. -
Cough
If the cough is persistent or worsens, dry and irritating, or accompanied by phlegm. -
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by other gastrointestinal complaints. -
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty breathing may occur, especially in risk groups. -
Headache
Severe headache, which may be accompanied by fever and does not subside with conventional painkillers. -
High fever
Sudden, persistent, or high fever (over 38 °C), often accompanied by malaise. In young children, rapidly rising fever may require particularly careful -
Muscle and joint pain
Muscle or joint discomfort, cramps, pain, or stiffness in the body, which can occur in various conditions. -
Sore throat
If swallowing is painful and there is discomfort in the throat. -
Sore throat and muscle pain
Sore throat and muscle and joint aches are common. -
Sudden onset of illness
Influenza often begins suddenly, with symptoms worsening within a short period of time.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Registration and check-in: When you arrive, you will register and be directed to a nurse or doctor.
- Health check and consultation: The nurse or doctor will assess your health, ask about allergies and past illnesses, and provide information about the vaccine.
- Vaccination: The vaccine is usually injected into the muscle of your upper arm.
- Follow-up information and advice: You will receive instructions on possible side effects and any further vaccination schedule.
- Information about your vaccination will be sent to the national health portal.
What to expect during your appointment
Registration and check-in
When you arrive, you will register and be directed to a nurse or doctor.
Health check and consultation
The nurse or doctor will assess your health, ask about allergies and past illnesses, and provide information about the vaccine.
Vaccination
The vaccine is usually injected into the muscle of your upper arm.
Follow-up information and advice
You will receive instructions on possible side effects and any further vaccination schedule. Information about your vaccination will be sent to the national health portal.
Payment & Appointment Info
Payment methods
Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Vaccination coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.
Referral
You can book this service as a self-paying patient without a doctor’s referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is flu vaccination important?
Flu vaccination helps prevent infection and reduces the risk of severe illness and complications, protecting both the vaccinated person and their loved ones.
When is the best time to get the flu vaccine?
The best time for flu vaccination is in the autumn, before the flu season begins (October-November), to allow your immunity to develop.
Does the flu vaccine protect against all flu strains?
The flu vaccine contains the strains of flu viruses that are most likely to be circulating. While it may not protect against all strains, it significantly reduces the risk of getting sick and having a severe illness.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No, the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu because it contains inactivated (non-living) virus particles or the virus’s genetic material, which cannot cause illness.
Are there side effects to the flu vaccine?
Like any vaccine, the flu vaccine can have mild side effects, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headache, or a low-grade fever. Serious side effects are rare.
Who should definitely get the flu vaccine?
Vaccination is especially recommended for high-risk groups: older adults, patients with chronic diseases, pregnant women, young children, and healthcare workers.
Do I need to get a flu vaccine every year?
Yes, flu viruses are constantly changing, and different strains circulate each year. Therefore, it is recommended to get vaccinated again every year.
