What is flu and how do I get the flu vaccine?
What is flu?
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe symptoms. For some people, flu can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Symptoms of the flu can come on quickly and can include a sudden, high temperature, body aches, and a sore throat or dry cough.
Flu in children can present with the same symptoms, but children may also experience ear pain and appear less active.
Who can have the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is free on the NHS to people who 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.
Pneumococcal vaccine
If you're 65 or over, you're also eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, which will help protect you from pneumonia. You can talk to your GP about this.
Is there a flu vaccine near me?
It's best to have your flu vaccine in the autumn or early winter before flu rates increase. If you're eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, you can book an appointment at:
- your GP surgery
- a local pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccines appointments and walk-in flu jab services
- some maternity services if you're pregnant
- a hospital that provides a vaccine service
You might also get an invitation to get vaccinated, but you don't need to wait for one.
You don't need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to get a vaccine. You may be asked to confirm your eligibility for the flu vaccine. No immigration checks are carried out when you receive the vaccine.
Are there any flu vaccine side effects?
The flu vaccine side effects are mostly mild and get better within one to two days.
Mild side effects 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.
How do you avoid catching or spreading flu?
Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first five days.
To reduce the risk of spreading or catching flu, you should:
- get the flu vaccine
- wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- bin used tissues as quickly as possible
- strengthen your immune system with vitamins.
Need more information?
If you have more questions and queries about the flu vaccine and your eligibility, please read the NHS and government guidance:
NHS Inform Flu vaccine information
Age UK Influenza prevention information
Patient Access Immunisation against Flu
Government guidance on 2024 - 2025 flu vaccine programme
