Intended for the UK public.
Anyone can catch flu, and while it often gets better on its own, it can make some people seriously ill or cause flare ups of other diseases.1 Last year in the 2023/2024 winter season, over 8,000 people ended up in hospital due to flu.2
It works by teaching your body to create specific antibodies which help protect you against the flu virus. It usually takes about 10 to 14 days after your vaccination for this to become effective.4
If you have had your flu vaccination but still catch the flu, your body will be better prepared to defend itself, meaning that you’ll have milder symptoms and recover quicker too.4
This is especially important if:
THAT’S WHY A FLU
VACCINATION IS SO
IMPORTANT!
This year, those who can have a free NHS flu vaccination include:9
If you’re not sure if you qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination, speak with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for more information.
If you’ve previously had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine you cannot have a flu vaccination.4
You should report any side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. This includes any possible side effects you’ve not been told about. By reporting side effects, you’re helping improve the safety of medicines. You can also talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
For school-aged children (from Reception up to Year 11), it will be offered as part of the NHS school aged immunisation service. If your child is school age but not in school, your GP surgery or pharmacist will be able to support you in booking their appointment.
When you arrive for your flu vaccination appointment, don’t forget to tell the doctor, nurse or pharmacist if:4
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
Some people may get side effects after a flu vaccination, but these are usually mild and should only last a couple of days. This may include but is not limited to:4
You should report any side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. This includes any possible side effects you’ve not been told about. By reporting side effects, you’re helping improve the safety of medicines. You can also talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
If you are pregnant you are at a higher risk of serious illness from flu so it is important to protect yourself as best you can.
In fact, if you’re pregnant you’re one of the groups eligible a free NHS flu vaccination. When booking your appointment make sure to tell the doctor, nurse or pharmacist that you’re pregnant, and they will give you the appropriate vaccination.4,10
Yes, you can.
Having a vaccination against flu and COVID-19 provides protection for you and those around you from both viruses. Data shows that if you have the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations together, the response rates are unaffected and the side effects seen after vaccination are considered acceptable.4,6
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for further guidance.
If you have a long-term health condition, such as asthma, even if you feel fit and healthy, the flu can increase your risk of developing serious health complications.3,6
People living with asthma are one of the eligible groups who can have a free NHS flu vaccination, and having one will not make the symptoms of your asthma worse. The flu vaccination can help prevent you from catching flu and from passing it on,3 and if you do still catch flu, the vaccination may mean you will have milder symptoms and recover quicker.4
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for further information.
Even if your diabetes is considered “well controlled”, flu can increase your risk of developing serious health complications.3,6 The flu vaccination can help prevent you from catching flu and from passing it on.3 If you do still catch flu, the vaccination may mean you will have milder symptoms and recover quicker.4
If you’re living with diabetes, you’re in one of the groups eligible a free NHS flu vaccination. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for further information.
By getting your flu vaccination, you are helping to protect yourself and those around you, which can actually help relieve pressure on the NHS.9
Remember, you can also receive your flu vaccination from your local pharmacy.4
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for further information.
The flu vaccination cannot give you the flu.
The vaccination contains an inactive virus that helps your body learn to fight the flu by making something called antibodies.4 It takes about 10 to 14 days for these antibodies to be ready.4 After that, if you come into contact with the flu virus, your body will know how to fight it.4
Some people may get side effects after a flu vaccination, but these are usually mild and should only last a couple of days. This may include but is not limited to:4
You should report any side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. This includes any possible side effects you’ve not been told about. By reporting side effects, you’re helping improve the safety of medicines. You can also talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for more information.
The flu virus changes every year. Vaccinations are updated each year, to protect you from the types of flu expected over the winter. Getting your flu vaccination each year is the best way to protect yourself from flu.4
Religious beliefs play an important part in deciding how to live your life, including your healthcare choices. The facts below should help you to make an informed decision:
Islam
Judaism
Whatever your religion, health choices are personal, and it is important to consider official healthcare guidance alongside guidance from religious leaders to protect yourself, your family, and those around you.
