Can You Still Get the Flu After the Vaccine?
Is it possible to catch flu after vaccination?
The short answer is yes — no vaccine is 100% protective, and some people may still catch flu after being vaccinated. However, this does not mean the vaccine has failed.
The flu vaccine:
Greatly reduces your risk
Makes illness milder if you do catch flu
Lowers the chance of hospital admission
Protects vulnerable people around you
Why can you still catch the flu after the jab?
There are several reasons:
1. Strain mismatch
Flu vaccines target the most likely circulating strains each year, but the virus can evolve.
2. Timing
It takes around 10–14 days for immunity to fully develop after vaccination.
3. Immune response
Some people — especially those older or immunocompromised — don’t mount as strong an immune response.
4. Other viruses
Many flu-like illnesses are actually caused by non-flu viruses, which the vaccine does not protect against.
Is a flu infection milder after vaccination?
In most cases, yes. Vaccinated individuals who still catch flu often experience:
Lower fever
Shorter illness
Reduced risk of chest infection
Faster recovery
Is the flu vaccine still worth it?
Yes.
The flu vaccine:
Protects you
Reduces spread
Protects the NHS
Saves lives every winter
This is why it is recommended annually for those eligible and available privately for others.
Private flu vaccination in Edinburgh
Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh offers private flu vaccination with online booking, subject to availability.
