Around 30 million people in the UK will be offered a flu vaccine this winter—but doctors say that while the jab is safe and effective, a few common habits could make it less effective or leave you feeling worse afterwards.
The flu vaccine is recommended for those most at risk of serious illness, including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system.
It can more than halve the risk of catching flu, yet research suggests simple choices before and after vaccination can influence how well it works.
One of the biggest mistakes, experts say, is reaching for painkillers too soon.
Research shows that anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can dampen the body’s immune response by blocking the inflammation needed to create protective antibodies.
Paracetamol is considered safe for easing mild side effects such as a sore arm or a low fever, but doctors advise avoiding it before your jab.
Some studies suggest that taking it pre-emptively could blunt the vaccine’s effectiveness in a similar way.
Overuse of painkillers carries its own risks. A major long-term study of more than half a million over-65s found those who regularly took paracetamol were more likely to develop stomach ulcers, heart failure and kidney disease.
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It is offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill
Whilst a low-dose of paracetamol is safe and can help reduce discomfort, doctors say people over the age of 65 should be particularly cautious
Even low use—as little as twice in six months—was linked to a higher risk of bleeding in the gut.
Professor Zhang, who led the research, said: ‘Take it only as you need it, and don’t take it continuously as that could lead to problems—particularly if you’re taking it every day at the maximum therapeutic dose. And you need to be particularly careful if you’re over 65.’
Doctors say the message is simple: Use painkillers only if you really need them, and at the lowest effective dose.
Having a drink could also make you feel worse after your jab.
While the occasional glass of wine is unlikely to cause harm, heavy drinking is known to weaken the immune system by affecting white blood cells’ ability to fight infection.
This can increase the risk of fatigue, muscle aches and soreness around the injection site—and leave you more vulnerable to catching other bugs.
Alcohol is also a diuretic, meaning it increases fluid loss through urine.
This can lead to dehydration, which some studies suggest may delay the production of antibodies, making the vaccine slightly less effective.
Exercise can make a difference too. Experts recommend avoiding intense workouts for a day or two after vaccination, as high-intensity training can increase fatigue and headaches.
But moderate activity appears to have the opposite effect.
A 2022 study found that people who went for a brisk 90-minute walk, jog or bike ride after their flu jab produced more infection-fighting antibodies than those who didn’t—without any increase in side effects.
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