Flu vaccine
What is flu?
- Flu is an infection that spreads easily from person to person, through coughs, sneezes, talking, or touching surfaces.
- It can start suddenly. It may cause fever, tiredness, aches, and trouble breathing.
- Most people get better on their own. But flu can sometimes lead to serious problems, like pneumonia.
- Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with a weak immune system are more likely to become seriously unwell.
- The flu virus changes every year, so a new vaccine is needed each year.
How the vaccine works
- The vaccine contains either killed flu virus (injection) or a weakened live virus (nasal spray for children). Neither can give you flu.
- The vaccine teaches your immune system to recognise and fight the flu virus.
- It lowers your chance of becoming seriously ill, and lowers your chance of needing hospital care, if you catch flu.
Who should have the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu
It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
- are aged 18 to 64 and 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
- are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Which vaccine you’ll be offered
Which vaccine you’ll be offered
- Injection (in the upper arm) — offered to most adults, including people with a weakened immune system.
- Nasal spray (a squirt up each nostril) — usually offered to children over 2. It’s quick and painless. It is not suitable for every child, and an alternative will be offered if needed.
- Your healthcare professional will tell you which type is right for you or your child, and why.
Pregnancy
- Pregnant people have a higher risk of serious complications from flu.
- The flu vaccine has been used safely in pregnancy for many years.
- Being vaccinated in pregnancy also passes some protection to your baby for the first few months of their life.
Side effects
Common, mild, usually gone within a few days:
- Injection: a sore, red or swollen arm, feeling tired, headache, mild fever, aching muscles.
- Nasal spray: a blocked or runny nose, headache, tiredness, less appetite.
Very rare, serious:
- A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — staff giving the vaccine are trained to treat this immediately if it happens.
- Very rare reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nerve condition.
Serious side effects are very rare. For almost everyone offered the vaccine, the benefit of protection outweighs the risk of side effects.
When you should NOT have this vaccine
- You have had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine before.
- You are allergic to any ingredient in the vaccine.
- You currently have a high fever.
Your choice, and reporting side effects
- Having the flu vaccine is voluntary. You can choose not to have it, and this will not affect any other care you receive.
- You can ask questions at any time before, during, or after vaccination.
- If you notice any side effect after vaccination, you or your healthcare professional can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).
For more information visit
Flu vaccination informaton from the NHS
Covid-19 vaccine
Please visit this NHS website for more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination – Who is eligable and how to get one.
All flu vaccines are currently in stock at the practice. If you are in any of the groups below and received an invitation, please book your flu vaccine appointment online or by contacting reception.
- Children aged 2-3yrs old (age on 31 Aug 2020 – born between 1 Sept 2016 & 31 Aug 2018) – Please read this link: Vaccines and Porcine Gelatine
- Patients aged>50 yrs old: Read this leaflet for more info Over50s Flu Extended programme
- Patients aged<50 yrs old suffering from a long term condition
Flu vaccines are also available at local pharmacies, please try this link for a list of availability: Flu vaccine availability at local pharmacies