By Unu Health | www.unuhealth.org
As winter bites and sniffles start spreading through schools, offices and WhatsApp family groups, the question of whether to get the flu vaccine pops up yet again — and for many South African moms, it’s not a simple yes or no. flu season started on the 24th of March according to the NCID, 34% earlier than it normally does. Flu season normally runs from the last week of April till mid-June, and we see an 8-fold increase in flus and colds over this period. This year’s flu strain appears to affect working age adults and children under 10 more aggressively.
So, to vaccinate or not. On the one hand, you want to protect your family. On the other, you’ve probably heard that the flu shot isn’t 100% effective. So, what’s the deal? Should you roll up your sleeve or ride it out? Only 12% of the population vaccinate.
Let’s look at both sides of the story — backed by science — so you can decide what’s right for you and your loved ones.
The Case For: A Tool to Reduce Risk
Every year, scientists from the World Health Organization track flu strains across the globe and create a new vaccine to match the strains most likely to spread that season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu vaccine reduces the risk of illness by 40–60% when the strains are well-matched — not perfect, but significantly better than nothing.
“For vulnerable groups like young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions, the flu vaccine can be the difference between a few days off and serious complications,” says Tania Joffe, founder of digital health platform Unu Health.
In South Africa, thousands of people are hospitalised with flu-related illnesses every year. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) strongly recommends annual flu shots for anyone over six months of age, especially those at higher risk.
And no — contrary to popular belief, you can’t catch the flu from the flu shot. The injectable vaccine uses inactivated virus particles, which means it simply teaches your immune system to recognise and fight the virus, not infect you with it.
The Case Against: Questions of Effectiveness and Natural Immunity
Critics of the flu shot often point to its lower efficacy compared to vaccines for other diseases. Because the virus mutates quickly, the flu vaccine has to be updated every year — and some years, it misses the mark.
“Some people choose not to vaccinate because they feel healthy, rarely get sick, and prefer to let their immune systems handle it naturally,” says Joffe. “Others are wary of side effects or are concerned about overloading their bodies with vaccines.”
It’s also true that for most healthy adults and children, flu symptoms can be managed with rest, fluids and time. So, for families without vulnerable members, the perceived risk of skipping the jab might feel acceptable — especially if previous experiences with the vaccine were underwhelming.
Some natural health proponents believe in supporting immunity with a healthy diet, supplements, and lifestyle habits instead of annual vaccines, in order to support recovery and general wellbeing.
So, What’s the Right Answer?
At the end of the day, it’s not about one-size-fits-all advice. It’s about informed choice.
“Our job at Unu Health isn’t to tell you what to do — it’s to give you clear, science-backed information so you can decide what’s best for your family,” says Joffe. “If you’re unsure, speak to a healthcare provider who understands your unique circumstances.”
If you do decide to get vaccinated, it’s best to do it early in the season — it takes about two weeks for full immunity to kick in. The 2025 Flu vaccines are available now through most GPs, clinics, and pharmacies across South Africa.
And if you don’t? Make sure you’ve got your immune-supporting strategies in place, know when to stay home, and be extra vigilant about protecting those around you — especially babies, grandparents, and anyone with underlying health issues.
Flu season is here. The shot is available. The decision? That’s up to you.
For more health facts and family-friendly healthcare support, visit www.unuhealth.org
