Who should get the flu vaccine? What to tell us before your shot
Who should consider the flu vaccine, which groups should talk to a doctor first, and the reactions to watch for afterwards.
The question we hear most is which brand to have, when the harder questions are when to have it and whether it suits you. The flu vaccine lowers your chance of getting flu and makes it milder if you do. The right type and timing depend on your age, conditions, pregnancy, allergy history and which vaccines are available in Thailand at the time.
Key takeaways
- International guidance: almost everyone aged 6 months and over should be vaccinated every year unless there's a contraindication.
- Older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions are at higher risk of complications and should discuss vaccination.
- Tell us about severe reactions to previous vaccines, current illness and immune-suppressing medication before the shot.
- Stock, vaccine types and indications change. Confirm with the clinic before travelling.
Groups that matter most
International guidance recommends a yearly flu vaccine for almost everyone from 6 months old, especially people at risk of severe illness: young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease or diabetes.
Carers, people living with someone at risk, and staff who meet many people may also consider vaccination to reduce passing flu to vulnerable people. Recommendations and licensed vaccines in Thailand may differ from other countries.
What to tell us at screening
- Your age, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and chronic conditions
- Any severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine or allergy to vaccine components
- Current medication, especially immune-suppressing drugs, and any organ transplant
- Any illness on the day. With a fever or moderate-to-severe illness the doctor may postpone
- A child's vaccination history, because some age groups need more than one dose depending on it
Can I have it with an egg allergy?
CDC guidance states that people with egg allergy can receive any age- and health-appropriate flu vaccine with no special measures beyond standard readiness to manage an allergic reaction. The vaccine type, product label and Thai guidance are checked on the day.
What needs special care is a history of a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine or another component, so tell the doctor the details, timing and treatment of any past reaction.
What to expect afterwards
Soreness, swelling or redness at the injection site, a low fever, headache, aches or tiredness may occur and usually settle within a few days. An inactivated injected vaccine cannot give you flu.
- Stay for observation for the time the clinic advises
- If you get widespread hives, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, faintness or loss of consciousness, seek emergency help immediately
- If symptoms are severe or don't improve, contact a health facility
Good to know: Vaccine types and stock change. Please message us on LINE to check type, stock, price and book before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Mild symptoms aren't usually a reason to postpone, but with moderate-to-severe illness or a fever, a clinician should assess you first.
Related services
Sources
- Who Needs a Flu Vaccine U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Influenza Vaccine Safety U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Contraindications and Precautions U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This content is general information and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personal advice from a doctor. Published 1 July 2026
Everyone's health is different
If you have a health condition, take regular medication, are pregnant or have unusual symptoms, let a doctor assess you first. Message us on LINE.
