2025–2026 Influenza Vaccination Service

The influenza season is expected to become more active from September onwards. Members of the public are advised to arrange vaccination early to help build protection before the peak season.

Seed Medical is now accepting bookings for this year’s influenza vaccination service. The vaccine is suitable for individuals aged 6 months or above, including children, older adults, pregnant women and people with long-term medical conditions.

Influenza vaccination can help reduce the risk of influenza infection, severe illness and complications. It also helps protect your family and the wider community.

WHO-recommended 2025–2026 Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Strains

Egg-based vaccine composition:

A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus
B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus, B/Victoria lineage

Benefits of Influenza Vaccination

Helps reduce the risk of influenza infection
Supports protection against circulating influenza viruses.
Helps reduce the risk of severe complications
Particularly important for children, older adults, pregnant women and people with long-term medical conditions.
May help reduce hospitalisation and serious outcomes
Vaccination is an important preventive measure against influenza-related complications.
Helps maintain daily routines
Reduces the chance of absence from school, work or regular activities due to illness.
Supports community protection
Higher vaccination rates can help reduce transmission and protect vulnerable groups.

Book your influenza vaccination early to help protect yourself and your family.

Suitable for individuals aged 6 months or above.

Higher-risk groups recommended for priority vaccination include:

Infants and children aged 6 months to 12 years
Their immune systems are still developing and they may be more susceptible to infection.

Older adults aged 65 or above
Immunity tends to decline with age, and influenza may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.

Pregnant women
Vaccination can help protect the mother and may also pass antibodies to the baby through the placenta.

People with long-term medical conditions
Including individuals with diabetes, asthma, heart disease or kidney disease, who may be at higher risk of complications.

Healthcare workers and carers
Helps reduce the risk of cross-infection and protect both patients and themselves.

People living with children or older adults
Helps build a protective layer within the household and indirectly protect family members.
Most people experience only mild discomfort after receiving the influenza vaccine. Common reactions may include:

Redness, swelling, pain or soreness at the injection site

Mild fever or tiredness

Muscle aches or headache

These symptoms usually resolve naturally within 1–2 days and may be relieved by rest and adequate fluid intake.

Severe allergic reactions are very rare. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling or a rapid heartbeat, please seek medical attention immediately.
Q1. Can the flu jab completely prevent colds?

A: No. The influenza vaccine is designed to protect against influenza viruses. It does not prevent the common cold or all other respiratory infections.

However, if you do catch influenza after vaccination, symptoms may be milder and recovery may be quicker.

Q2. Will I get ill after having the flu jab?

A: The influenza vaccine used is an inactivated or recombinant vaccine and does not contain infectious live influenza virus. It will not cause influenza.

Some people may experience mild side effects, which are usually a normal response as the body develops immunity.

Q3. Is the flu jab safe for children?

A: Influenza vaccination is generally considered safe for children aged 6 months or above. The Department of Health in Hong Kong and the World Health Organization recommend vaccination for eligible children to help reduce the risk of severe illness and cross-infection.

The dose used for children is subject to appropriate medical standards and safety requirements.

Q4. Which brand of influenza vaccine is provided?

A: Our medical centre mainly provides influenza vaccines from Sanofi, a recognised vaccine manufacturer.

Please contact our team for the latest vaccine brand and availability before booking.

Q5. How long does protection from the influenza vaccine last?

A: Protection from the influenza vaccine usually lasts for approximately 6–8 months, which is generally sufficient to cover the influenza season.

This is one of the reasons why annual vaccination is recommended.

Q6. When is the best time to receive the influenza vaccine?

A: In Hong Kong, the recommended period for influenza vaccination is usually from September to November, before the peak influenza season.

It takes approximately 2 weeks for the body to develop antibodies after vaccination.

Q7. Is influenza vaccination safe for pregnant women and the baby?

A: Influenza vaccination is generally considered safe during pregnancy. It can help protect pregnant women and may also pass antibodies through the placenta to help protect newborn babies until they are old enough to receive vaccination themselves.

Pregnant women should consult a doctor before vaccination if they have any medical concerns.

Q8. Can people with egg allergy receive the influenza vaccine?

A: Most people with egg allergy can still receive influenza vaccination safely.

Please inform healthcare professionals of your allergy history before vaccination. They will assess your suitability and provide appropriate monitoring where necessary.

Q9. Why do I need an influenza vaccine every year?

A: Influenza viruses change over time, and the circulating strains may differ from year to year. In addition, vaccine protection gradually decreases.

Annual vaccination helps ensure that you receive the latest recommended vaccine formulation for the current influenza season.