The flu immunisation helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Who should have the flu immunisation
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. It is offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.
You can get the free NHS flu immunisation if you:
are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
have certain long-term health conditions
are pregnant
live in a care home
are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Having the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.
It’s not usually given at the same time as the RSV vaccine, but you can have them at the same time if a doctor or nurse thinks it’s needed.
Who cannot have the flu vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy.
Getting vaccinated if you’re unwell
If you have a high temperature, wait until you’re feeling better before having your flu vaccine.
Side effects of the flu vaccine
The most common side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and get better within 1 to 2 days.
They can include:
pain or soreness where the injection was given
a slightly raised temperature
an aching body
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
The injected flu immunisations used in the UK do not contain live flu viruses. They cannot give you flu.