Flu VaccineProtect yourself from flu, have the flu vaccine (GOV.UK website, PDF only, 1.01MB) This page is about the flu vaccine for adults. There are also pages about the children's flu vaccine and flu jab in pregnancy. Who should have the flu vaccineThe 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:
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer. How to get the flu vaccineMost eligible people can get the flu vaccine from 1 October 2026. Some people, including anyone who is pregnant, can get vaccinated from 1 September 2026. You may be able to get a flu vaccine from:
Book online nowIf you're aged 18 or over, you can book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now. Vaccination appointments will take place from 1 October 2026, or from 1 September 2026 if you're pregnant. Having the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccinesYou can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines. It's not usually given 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 vaccineMost 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. Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy. Getting vaccinated if you're unwellIf you have a high temperature, wait until you're feeling better before having your flu vaccine. Flu vaccine ingredientsThere 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 leaflets. Side effects of the flu vaccineThe most common side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and get better within 1 to 2 days. They can include:
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. More about vaccine safetyFind out more about why vaccinations are important and the safest way to protect yourself How well the flu vaccine works and how long it lastsThe 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. Sexual Health AdviceThroughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
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