Thursday 08/January/2026 – 12:23 PM
With the arrival of the season Cold As temperatures drop, the importance of taking preventive measures to protect health increases, most notably obtaining the influenza vaccine, which is the first line of defense against this seasonal disease, which may pose a real danger to some groups.
Can you get the flu vaccine while you have a cold?
According to The Sun, it is not recommended to receive the vaccine for those who have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose, and health guidelines indicate that the influenza vaccine can be obtained in the event of a mild illness, such as the common cold, and acceptable symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough or sore throat.
These symptoms do not affect the immune system’s ability to mount an effective response against influenza, even if the body is fighting a minor infection at the same time. In case of doubt, it is recommended to contact a doctor first.
When should the flu vaccine be postponed?
It is not recommended to receive the flu vaccine if you have a fever or feel very unwell. Fever is not usually a symptom of the common cold, and may be an indicator of the flu itself or another infection such as Covid.
Fever is evidence that the immune system is working at its maximum capacity, which may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine if it is taken at this time. Vaccination during a fever may prolong the recovery period and increase the risk of transmitting the infection to others.
Who are the groups for whom the influenza vaccine is recommended?
Those aged 65 and over
Caregivers of the elderly
Pregnant women
People with chronic diseases
Frontline workers in the health and social care sectors
