Get your flu jab

We look at why getting the flu jab is important this winter, who should have it, and how to get it.

What's on this page:

• Should I get the flu jab?
• Who is being offered a flu jab?
• If I get the flu jab, does that mean I won't get flu?
• When's the best time to get the flu jab?
• How do I book a flu jab?
• I'm having trouble getting my flu jab - what should I do?
• Can I get the flu jab at the same time as the Covid-19 booster?
• If there's a nasal spray, can I have that instead?
• Is there anyone who shouldn't get the flu jab?
• Can I get flu from the flu jab?
• How much does it cost?

Should I get the flu jab?

Flu can be serious. Each year, it causes thousands of people to go to hospital and thousands of deaths in the UK. If you have a heart or circulatory condition, or if you're older, you’re more at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, even if you currently feel well. If you've had a heart attack, getting the flu increases your risk of having another one.

The NHS has brought forward its annual flu and Covid vaccination programme in response to risks presented by the new BA.2.86 Covid-19 variant currently circulating. It’s important to prepare for the winter months by lowering your risk of getting both illnesses at once, which could make you more unwell.

Having had the flu vaccine last year doesn’t mean you will be protected this year. Protection fades over time because the flu virus changes from year to year.

Getting the flu jab is one of the best preventative things you can do to help the NHS. More people getting the jab means fewer people will need flu treatment at a time when hospitals are still under pressure. It also means you are helping to protect people who are most vulnerable to severe flu illness, such as older adults and people with chronic health conditions.

Who is being offered a flu jab?

In England, those eligible for a free flu vaccine this year include:

• people aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
• people aged 6 months to 64 years with a long-term condition that increases the risk of flu, including congenital heart disease, high blood pressure with cardiac complications, chronic heart failure, and people being treated for ischaemic heart disease (for a full list of eligible conditions, please visit the Green Book: Chapter 19 on influenza)
• women who are pregnant
• those who live in a residential or nursing home
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• frontline workers who work with patients/clients in health or social care settings
• people who have a weakened immune system
• those living with someone with a weakened immune system
• children aged 2 or 3 years (age on 31 August 2023)
• school-age children (from Reception class to Year 11)

Health officials in all nations of the UK plan to cover similar groups of people, with some variations. Even if you’re not in one of these groups you can choose to pay to get the flu vaccine at some supermarkets and high street pharmacies.

• Read more about the flu programme 2023-24 in England
• Read more about the flu programme 2023-24 in Scotland
• Read more about the flu programme 2023-24 in Wales
• Read more about the flu programme 2023-24 in Northern Ireland

If I get the flu jab, does that mean I won’t get flu?

No vaccine is 100 per cent effective, but people who have had the flu jab are less likely to get flu. It takes 10 to 14 days for the vaccine to work, so you might get flu in the meantime.

If you do get flu after being vaccinated, it is likely to be a milder, shorter illness than if you haven’t been vaccinated. The flu vaccine doesn’t protect against coronavirus, so you should get your Covid booster too.

If you haven’t done so already, contact your GP surgery now

When’s the best time to get the flu jab?

It’s best to get the flu vaccine in the autumn or early winter before flu starts to circulate widely, so that you are protected as early as possible. But don’t worry if you haven't had the vaccine yet – you can still have the vaccine later in winter if stocks are still available.

How do I book a flu jab?

If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can contact your GP surgery to book an appointment. Some community pharmacies are also offering the flu jab. Alternatively, you may be able to book an appointment online or using the NHS App.

• Find out more about booking your flu vaccination

If you want to get protected, don’t wait for your GP to contact you to arrange an appointment. With so many people who need flu jabs, it’s best to be proactive.

I'm having trouble getting my flu jab - what should I do?

Can I get the flu vaccine at the same time as the Covid-19 booster?

If there’s a nasal spray, can I have that instead?

At the moment, a nasal spray is only used for children.

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the flu jab?

Most adults can have the flu vaccine, but you should avoid it if you have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past.

You may be at risk of an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine injection if you have an egg allergy. This is because some flu vaccines are made using eggs. If you  have an egg allergy, you can ask a GP or pharmacist for a low-egg or egg-free vaccine instead.

If you're ill with a high temperature, it's best to wait until you're better before having the flu vaccine.

Can I get flu from the flu jab?

No. There are no live viruses in the vaccine, so it can’t cause flu.

How much does it cost?

It’s free on the NHS to those who are eligible. If you are not eligible, you can still pay to get it from some supermarkets or high street pharmacies - it typically costs £10 to £20, depending on where you get it from.

• Learn more about the Covid booster vaccines.
• Learn more about cold weather and your heart.
• Follow our 8 wise ways to keep the heat in.
• Get top tips on winter wellness.

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