Flu vaccine
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Who should have the flu vaccine
The vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
You can get the vaccine if you:
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
Who cannot have the flu vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the 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.
Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy.
Side effects of the flu vaccine
The most common side effects of the flu vaccine 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.
How well the flu vaccine works and how long it lasts
The 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 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.
We provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations and antimalarials. It is recommended that you book your appointment 6-8 weeks prior to your travel to ensure that you can get the recommended vaccinations on time.