Arm yourself early against flu!
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral disease that is more serious than a common cold. It comes on suddenly, bringing fever, runny nose, cough, and headache. You may also feel exhausted, have muscle pain, or experience nose and respiratory tract inflammation. Furthermore, influenza complications can lead to more severe health issues.
At FirstMed, we understand that these symptoms can be worrying, but we have a powerful tool for prevention—the flu vaccine, or, as it is otherwise called, the flu shot.
Get a flu shot at FirstMed in Budapest:
Book your vaccination
Fill-in the form below to register for the flu shot. We will contact you soon to schedule your appointment.
Prepay for the vaccination
Prepay for the visit and the vaccine in advance through our Webshop.
Visit the Clinic
The clinic is 3 minutes away from Széll Kálmán tér metro station.
Take the Flu Shot
Taking a flu shot needs only a 15-minute visit
or a 30-minute appointment if it includes a doctor's consultation.
The new injectable flu vaccines, updated for the 2024/25 season, are available now at our clinic. Please register for the vaccination using the form below, and we will contact you to schedule an appointment. If you would like to get the nasal spray for your child, you can also state that, and we will reach out to you when it is available.
Essential Information about Flu Vaccination
Table of Contents
What are the benefits of the influenza vaccination?
Flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and the people around you. It reduces the risk of being infected and minimizes the chance of severe complications caused by influenza viruses. Vaccination has several benefits:
- Protects against illness: The flu vaccine is the most efficient defense against influenza, reducing the probability of contracting the flu by 40-60%.
- Reduces severity: In cases where you contract the flu despite vaccination, the symptoms may be less severe, leading to a swifter recovery.
- Prevent hospitalization: By reducing the severity of the illness, the vaccination lowers the risk of getting into the hospital.
- Safeguard the vulnerable: Protect those at higher risk of complications, such as the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.
- Avoid sick leave: If vaccinated, you are less likely to require sick days for flu-related illnesses.
- Economic reasons: Save the money spent on medicines in connection with a possible illness.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Getting the annual flu vaccine is essential for good health, particularly for certain groups of people.
- Everyone aged six months and older is advised to get the shot. It's a preventative measure we can all take to protect our health.
- For those who or their close family members are at high risk, such as expectant mothers, parents of an infant under six months, older adults (over 60 years), or people with chronic health conditions, the vaccine becomes all the more significant.
- Who work in crowded environments and share air and space with many colleagues or customers. Getting vaccinated is a particularly smart move—it helps protect you and others.
- Lastly, those who are planning a long journey by bus, train, or plane should consider the flu vaccine as their travel buddy. In close quarters, a little foresight goes a long way in keeping you and your fellow passengers safe.
While individual benefits are noteworthy, by getting vaccinated you also care for others. Every vaccination counts when it comes to shielding ourselves and those around us.
When is the best time to get the flu shot?
The influenza vaccination is most effective if you get it early in the flu season—by October or November. But don’t worry if you didn’t manage to take your shot then; getting one later during that season can still prevent the infection.
Are you ready for your next flu shot? Register using the form below, and we’ll contact you to schedule your appointment.
Why is it necessary to get the flu vaccine every year?
Remember, the flu vaccination isn’t just “one and done.” The virus changes constantly, and the vaccines are regularly updated before each season according to the WHO’s recommendation. The new versions are generally available from mid-October each year. Only the most recent vaccination defends against the anticipated influenza virus strains. For the best protection, renew the flu shot annually.
Curious about the available vaccination options at FirstMed?
At FirstMed, we aim to provide you with the latest, most effective flu vaccine available.
- The Vaxigrip Tetra injectable vaccine protects against four different influenza A and B virus strains.
- A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain
- A/Thailand/8/2022 (H3N2)-like strain
- B/Austria/1359417/2021-like strain
- B/Phuket/3073/2013-like strain.
This vaccine complies with WHO Southern Hemisphere recommendations for the 2024 season.
- Young children between 2 and 18 years may get Fluenz Tetra nasal spray, which avoids uncomfortable needle pricks and is no different in efficacy from the injectable vaccine. This vaccine is not suitable for all children and should only be administered with the approval of a pediatrician. [The updated vaccination for 2024 is not yet available.]
- FirstMed’s annual Plans include a complimentary seasonal flu shot with the 3Fluart® vaccine.
How safe is the influenza vaccine?
Vaccines are generally safe; some of their groups can also be used during pregnancy and are even recommended! The vaccine cannot cause illness since it does not introduce the pathogen into the body; only those components can be recognized by the immune system, thus strengthening its resistance. However, there are some circumstances when the vaccination is not recommended. Our general practitioners are happy to advise you whether the vaccination is right for you.
Should you see a doctor before getting the flu shot?
Usually, adults do not need to consult a physician before getting vaccinated. However, it is important to recognize that each person’s health circumstances are unique. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional can help determine the safest and most effective approach to receiving the flu vaccination, particularly in specific cases when a doctor’s visit is necessary.
The benefits of consulting a doctor
- Assessing your health status: Everyone’s health situation is unique and may affect how they respond to the flu vaccine. In the case of some specific conditions, such as immunity disorders, pregnancy, or certain chronic diseases, ask your GP before getting vaccinated.
- Discussing potential side effects: While the flu vaccine is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects or adverse reactions that might occur after vaccination. This can also include understanding the risks of not getting vaccinated.
- Know the vaccine: Talking to a doctor can help clarify what the vaccine does, how it works, and why it’s recommended to get one every year. Our physicians can also determine whether the flu vaccine is recommended for you.
- Pediatric checkup: Babies and children (between 6 months and 14 years old) must visit a pediatrician for flu shots. Our pediatricians assess the child's general health before vaccination to make sure it is safe and provide tailored advice on vaccinations.
When is the influenza vaccination inadvisable?
We understand the importance of vaccination, but there are certain circumstances where caution is necessary. At FirstMed, your health and well-being are our top priorities. We cannot administer the influenza vaccination if you fall into any of the below categories.
Certain cases when the flu shot should be avoided
- Children younger than six months of age are too young to get influenza vaccination.
- In case of allergy to eggs, chicken, neomycin, or formaldehyde. These ingredients are sometimes present in flu vaccines.
- If you are experiencing a fever or acute infectious disease, you have to wait until you recover before getting the flu shot.
- Having had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
- You have a history of Guillain Barre Syndrome
Remember, at FirstMed, we’re here to help. We’re just a call away if you have questions or need guidance. Your health, and the health of our community, is our shared responsibility.
Book your vaccination
Fill out the form below to request a flu vaccination, and we will get in touch with you to schedule the most convenient appointment.
After submitting the form, you will get a confirmation by email, and a “Thank you” page will appear.
If you do not receive the confirmation, please check your spam folder and whether you’ve fully completed the form.
