Why the flu jab matters

Why should you get the flu jab?

If you have a heart or circulatory condition, or you’re aged 65 or over, you may be at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu (influenza) – even if you currently feel well.

Plus, if you've already had a heart attack, flu raises the risk of having another one.

Flu, which circulates in the UK in the winter months, leads to thousands of deaths and hospital admissions in the UK every year.

Getting a flu jab is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and reduce pressure on hospitals. It also helps protect vulnerable people around you.

If you’ve had a flu vaccine in the past, it will not protect you from the next flu season. This is because the flu virus changes each year, so it’s important to have an annual vaccination.

• Learn more about flu and your heart condition.

Who can get a free flu jab?

The NHS offers a free flu jab to various groups of people at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they get flu.

Eligibility is usually the same whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. You can also check via Patient Access.

When’s the best time to get a flu jab, and how do you book it?

The best time to get the flu vaccine is in autumn or early winter, before flu starts circulating widely. This gives you protection as early as possible.

If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, your NHS service should contact you to book in. You can also:

• Contact your GP surgery.
• Check local pharmacies that offer the NHS flu vaccination service.
• Use the NHS App or online booking where available.

Some employers also offer free flu vaccines. And, if you’re pregnant, you can ask your midwife about getting it.

In 2026, most people in the eligible groups will be invited for a flu vaccination from 1 October.

Most children and all pregnant women will be invited from 1 September.

You do not need to wait to be invited to book your flu jab. You can be proactive – especially if you have a heart condition.

Try not to worry if you’ve missed the peak booking time – you can still have the vaccine later in the flu season while stocks last.

One injection should last the whole flu season.

How does the flu vaccine work?

The flu vaccine trains your immune system to recognise and fight the main flu strains expected that season. It takes up to 14 days to build protection.

Does the flu jab mean you will not get flu?

No vaccine is 100 per cent effective. You can still get flu after vaccination, especially in the first 14 days while protection builds, or if a circulating strain is different from the vaccine.

If you do get flu after the jab, it’s usually milder and shorter-lasting.

Can you have the Covid-19 booster at the same time?

Yes, it’s safe to have the flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster at the same appointment. Many GP surgeries, pharmacies and vaccination centres offer both.

You’ll usually get one injection in each arm. Ask when you book.

Can you get the flu jab if you have a cold?

Yes, you can usually have the flu jab if you have a cold or other mild illness (runny nose, cough, etc.)

But if you have a high temperature or feel quite unwell, it’s best to wait until you feel better. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure.

Who can have the flu nasal spray?

The flu nasal spray (live attenuated vaccine) is mainly offered to children aged 2 to 17 years.

Most adults are offered the injectable flu vaccine, and the nasal spray is not usually available for adults on the NHS.

If the injectable vaccine is unsuitable for you for medical reasons, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.

Who should not get the flu jab?

Most people can safely have the flu vaccine. But you should not have it if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous flu vaccine or to any of its ingredients.

Some vaccines are made using eggs. If you have a severe egg allergy, ask for a low-egg or egg-free version. Tell the person giving the vaccine about any allergies or previous reactions.

Can you get flu from the jab?

No, the injected flu vaccine does not contain the live virus, so it cannot give you flu.

For 1 or 2 days, some people may experience mild side effects, such as:

• a sore arm
• slight fever
• headache
• aching muscles.

These symptoms are normal signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and are not flu.

The children’s nasal spray uses a weakened virus. Very rarely, it can cause mild flu-like symptoms but does not cause full flu-like illness.

What should you avoid after a flu shot?

You do not usually need to avoid anything after a flu jab. You can continue your usual activities and diet, but you may want to try:

• keeping your arm moving gently to reduce stiffness
• drinking plenty of fluids
• skipping intense exercise if you feel unwell or have significant soreness in your arm
• taking pain relief if needed.

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