Don't wait for the flu to strike—shield yourself and your family! Stay ahead, stay healthy, and get vaccinated early!
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. It may also cause exhaustion, muscle pain, or inflammation of the nose and respiratory tract. Furthermore, influenza complications can lead to more severe health issues.
These symptoms can be worrying, but there is a powerful tool for prevention—the flu vaccine, also known as the flu shot.
Register below to get the new seasonal flu vaccines, updated for the 2025/26 autumn-winter season, and we will contact you once the vaccines arrive at our clinic. If you would like to have the nasal spray administered to your child, please let us know, and we will notify you when it becomes available.
How to get a flu vaccination at FirstMed in Budapest?
Book appointment
Fill in the form below to request the flu shot. We will contact you to schedule your appointment for vaccination.
Prepay for the vaccination
After we confirm your appointment, pay for the visit and the vaccine in advance through our Webshop.
Visit the Clinic
The clinic is easily accessible by public transportation or car, close to Széll Kálmán tér metro station.
Take the flu shot
Getting vaccinated needs only a 15-minute visit
or a 30-minute appointment if it includes a doctor's consultation.
Flu vaccines and vaccination options available at FirstMed
At FirstMed, we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date and effective flu vaccines available for children and adults:
- The Vaxigrip Tetra 2025 strains injectable vaccine protects against four different strains of influenza A and B viruses.
- A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain
- A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (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 2025 season.
- Children between 2 and 18 years may receive Fluenz Tetra nasal spray, which avoids uncomfortable needle pricks and is equally effective as the injectable vaccines. However, this vaccine is not suitable for all children and should only be administered with the approval of a pediatrician.
- FirstMed’s annual Plans include a complimentary seasonal flu shot with the 3Fluart® vaccine.
Flu Vaccination: What You Need to Know for a Healthier Season
Equip yourself with key information about the flu vaccine. This quick guide will help you understand why it’s important, the benefits, and how it can affect your health and the community. Be prepared to see how getting your flu shot is a simple yet powerful way to protect yourself and those around you!
What are the advantages of getting the influenza vaccination?
Flu vaccines are the best assets 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.
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.
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.
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. If you want to get it as soon as it is available, register on the form below and we will let you know when the new seasonal vaccines arrive at our clinic. But even if you didn’t manage to take your shot early; getting one later in the season can still prevent the infection.
Are you ready to take your next flu shot? Register using the form below, and we’ll contact you to schedule your appointment.
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. Consult our primary care physicians, who are happy to advise you whether the vaccination is right for you or your child.
Is it necessary to see a doctor before getting the flu shot?
Generally, adults don’t need to see a doctor before getting vaccinated, but children under 14 should see a pediatrician first.
Each person’s health circumstances are unique. Seeking advice from your primary care provider can help determine the safest and most effective approach to receiving the flu vaccination.
You can also get the flu vaccination during a comprehensive health maintenance exam, or children at the well-child check.
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. A well-child checkup is a perfect opportunity to have this done.
For whom is the flu vaccine the most important?
Getting the annual flu shot is usually important for staying healthy, but it’s especially recommended for specific groups of people.
Everyone at or over six months old
Adults and children aged six months and older are advised to get the shot. It’s a preventative measure we can all take to protect our health.
Persons with high risks and their close family members
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 environment
Those who work in crowded environments, sharing air and space with numerous colleagues or customers. Getting vaccinated is a smart move—it helps protect you and others.
Those who are planning long journey by public transportation
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.
In which cases 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 following 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.
- With a history of Guillain Barre Syndrome
Do you have any questions? Contact us
Request flu vaccination here
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