This page is about the flu vaccine for adults. There is separate information about the children's flu vaccine.
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 – you can have a flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy
- 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 aged 16 or over and sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
How to get the flu vaccine
If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App
- find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination
- contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service or care home, or through their employer if they're a frontline health or social care worker.
The last date you will be able to get your flu vaccine is 31 March 2027, but it's best to get vaccinated as soon as you can to protect yourself during winter. Online booking will close on 30 March 2027.
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.
If you’re pregnant, you can have it at the same time as other pregnancy vaccinations, such as the RSV vaccine (from 28 weeks) and whooping cough vaccine.
It's not usually given to older adults 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.
Getting vaccinated if you're unwell
If you have a high temperature, wait until you're feeling better before having your flu vaccine.
Flu vaccine ingredients
There are several types of flu vaccine given in the UK. If you're eligible for the flu vaccine on the NHS, you'll be offered one of the types that's most appropriate for you.
You can check the ingredients in the patient information leaflets.
Side effects of the flu vaccine
All flu vaccines used for adults are given as an injection. The most common side effects of the injected flu vaccines 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 vaccines used in the UK do not contain live flu viruses. They cannot give you flu.
Is the vaccine safe for my baby?
Studies have shown it's safe to have a flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.
It helps protect you and your baby, reducing the risk of serious complications during pregnancy and protecting your baby in the first few months after they're born.
It's safe to breastfeed if you had the flu vaccine during pregnancy or if you have it while breastfeeding.
More about vaccine safety
Find out more about why vaccinations are important and the safest way to protect yourself
How well the flu vaccine works and how long it lasts
The flu vaccine aims to protect you against the most common types of flu viruses.
There's still a chance you might get flu after getting vaccinated, but it's likely to be milder and not last as long.
The vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work.
Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time and the types of flu virus the vaccine protects against are updated each year. This is why it's important to get the flu vaccine every year.