Why Flu Vaccination Matters in 2026 — Advice from Your Pharmacist

As we move into flu season, many people still ask an important question:

Do I really need a flu vaccine every year?

At Tyrone Pharmacy, this is one of the most important preventative health conversations we have with patients, particularly those in higher-risk groups.

Influenza is often mistaken for a severe cold, but true flu can be a serious illness, especially for older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and those with weakened immunity. That is why flu vaccination in 2026 remains an important way to reduce risk and support winter wellness.

What Is Influenza and Why Can It Be Serious?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It can cause:

• Fever

• Body aches

• Fatigue

• Cough and chest symptoms

• Headache

• Sore throat

For vulnerable individuals, flu may also lead to complications such as pneumonia, worsening asthma, heart complications or hospitalisation.

Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine in 2026?

People considered at higher risk of influenza complications include:

• Adults over 65

• People living with diabetes

• Patients with heart disease or hypertension

• Those with asthma or chronic lung disease

• Pregnant women

• Immunocompromised individuals

• Healthcare workers and caregivers

• Young children

If you fall into one of these groups, annual influenza vaccination may be particularly important.

Why Is Flu Vaccination Needed Every Year?

Influenza viruses change constantly.

That is why the 2026 flu vaccine has been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season.

Annual vaccination may help:

• Reduce the risk of catching flu

• Lower the severity of illness

• Reduce risk of complications

• Decrease hospitalisation risk

• Help protect vulnerable people around you

Can the Flu Vaccine Give You Flu?

This is one of the most common questions we hear at the pharmacy.

No — the flu vaccine cannot give you influenza.

Some people may experience mild arm soreness or temporary fatigue, but this is not the flu - it is a mild reaction to injecting inactivated virus into the body.

A Pharmacist’s Advice on Flu Prevention

At Tyrone Pharmacy, we believe prevention matters.

For many patients, vaccination is a simple but meaningful step to protect health during winter — especially for those in at-risk groups.If you are unsure whether a flu vaccine is appropriate for you, speak to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Get Your Flu Vaccine at Tyrone Pharmacy - you dont even need to book, just walk in.

If you would like advice about flu vaccination in the Parks, Johannesburg, our pharmacists are available to assist.

Protect yourself this winter — and help protect those around you.

Contact Tyrone Pharmacy today to enquire about the 2026 influenza vaccine.