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What to do after getting the flu shot

Patient looking at their arm after receiving a flu shot.

Getting your flu shot is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from illness this winter. But flu vaccine aftercare is as important as the injection itself. That’s why we’re covering some of the things you can expect after a vaccine and how to manage your symptoms at home. 

What can you expect after a flu shot?

On the day you get your flu shot, the nurse or healthcare professional will ask you to wait about 10 to 15 minutes before going home. This is so they can check for any obvious reactions, such as anaphylaxis. 

When you get home, you might experience some mild side effects, such as: 

  • Pain, redness or itchiness at the injection site. 

  • Tiredness and muscle aches. 

  • A small lump at the injection site. 

  • A mild fever that doesn’t last long. 

These symptoms usually go away after a day or two. But if they persist or you’re worried about them, contact your GP or healthcare professional. 

Can you get influenza from the flu shot? 

No, you can’t get the flu when you have the flu vaccine. This is because the vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus. You might get side effects that feel like the flu, but these symptoms go away on their own. 

How to prepare yourself for the flu shot 

So, you’ve booked your flu vaccine and you’re ready to arm yourself against illness. Great! If you want to be fully prepared for getting your flu shot, here are some quick tips you can follow: 

  • Have a quick snack or healthy meal beforehand to avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded during or after your flu shot, especially if you’re prone to fainting. 

  • Avoid any strenuous activity or exercise. Chances are your arm will be sore, and you might experience some flu-like side effects too. Take the day off and rest up after your flu shot. 

  • Make sure you have some paracetamol at home if needed after your vaccination so that you can focus on rest and recovery. 

  • Check in with your health before you go. If you’re feeling a little sick but your symptoms are mild, then you should be fine to get the flu shot. But if your symptoms are severe e.g. a fever above 38°C, reschedule your appointment and focus on recovery. 

What can you do after getting a flu shot? 

If you experience any side effects after the flu shot, here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms: 

  • Drink lots of fluids and avoid overdressing if you have a fever. 

  • Rest up and avoid lifting anything heavy (or intense workouts) with the arm that had the injection. 

  • If you’re experiencing pain or your fever hasn’t gone away, you could take paracetamol. Always check the label for instructions on how much to take. 

  • Keep an eye out for any serious, but very rare, side effects. 

  • Follow up with your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about your flu shot. 

Ready to book in your flu shot?

Getting the flu vaccine is strongly recommended for protecting yourself from the flu. If you’re ready to book your shot, you can use our Find a Provider tool to find a GP in your local area who can give you the flu vaccine. It’s easy to use – all you have to do is select the service you’re after from the dropdown menu, enter your postcode and voila! You’ll get a list of GPs (or other specific services you need) in your area and their contact info to make booking your flu shot a breeze.

The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.