For some people, flu can lead to serious illness and complications. Every year, flu is linked to hundreds of deaths in the UK, particularly among older people, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.

Flu is much more severe than the common cold and can cause a high temperature, aches and pains, extreme tiredness, and several days of illness. Even healthy people can become seriously unwell, often resulting in time off work or school.

One of the most common complications of flu is a chest infection, which can sometimes develop into pneumonia.

Find out if you're eligible and book your flu vaccine through the NHS website

Ten things to know about flu and the flu vaccine

  1. Flu is more than just a cold
    It can make you seriously unwell and may lead to complications or hospital treatment.
     

  2. The flu vaccine helps protect you
    It's the best way to reduce your risk of catching flu and becoming seriously ill.
     

  3. The vaccine is free for eligible people
    This includes older adults, pregnant women, carers, people experiencing homelessness, children aged 2 and over, people with certain health conditions, and some close contacts of vulnerable individuals.
     

  4. Flu viruses change every year
    That's why it's important to get vaccinated each year.
     

  5. You may still get flu after vaccination
    But if you do, your symptoms are usually milder and less likely to lead to serious complications.
     

  6. Getting vaccinated helps protect others
    Especially babies, older people, and those with weakened immune systems or long-term health conditions.
     

  7. The flu vaccine cannot give you flu
    Some people may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm or feeling tired, but these usually pass quickly.
     

  8. Children can get protection too
    Most eligible children receive a quick and painless nasal spray vaccine rather than an injection.
     

  9. Vaccination helps reduce outbreaks
    Helping to prevent the spread of flu in schools, workplaces, care homes and communities.
     

  10. Get vaccinated before flu starts spreading
    Protect yourself and those around you by getting your vaccine as early as possible. 

Who is at higher risk from flu?

Some people are more likely to become seriously ill if they catch flu. If you have any of the conditions below, you may be eligible for a free flu vaccine on the NHS.

People at higher risk include those with:

  • respiratory conditions, such as asthma that requires steroid treatment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis

  • heart conditions, including coronary heart disease or heart failure

  • chronic kidney disease

  • liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis

  • neurological conditions that affect the brain or nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy

  • diabetes or Addison's disease

  • a weakened immune system due to a health condition, such as HIV, or treatments such as chemotherapy or steroid medicines

  • problems with the spleen, including sickle cell disease, or if the spleen has been removed

  • a learning disability

  • severe obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.

If you're in one of these groups, getting vaccinated is the best way to help protect yourself from flu and its potentially serious complications.

Flu vaccination for children - five reasons to get your child vaccinated

  1. Help protect your child from flu
    The vaccine helps protect against flu and can reduce the risk of serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
     

  2. Help protect family and friends
    Children can spread flu easily. Vaccinating your child helps protect babies, grandparents and others who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.
     

  3. No injection is needed
    Most children are offered a quick, painless nasal spray vaccine instead of an injection.
     

  4. It's a safe and effective vaccine
    The nasal spray vaccine has been given to millions of children and has an excellent safety record. It provides the best protection against flu.
     

  5. Reduce disruption to family life
    Flu can make children very unwell and lead to time off school. It may also mean parents or carers need to take time off work or arrange alternative childcare.

Flu vaccination during pregnancy

Getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy is one of the best ways to protect both you and your baby. Pregnant women are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy.

Having the flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of flu-related complications for both mother and baby. Complications can include bronchitis, pneumonia and other serious infections that may require hospital treatment.

Flu during pregnancy can also affect your baby's health. Research shows that flu infection increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. In some cases, serious flu infection during pregnancy can lead to severe complications for both mother and baby.

The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to help protect you throughout pregnancy and can also provide your baby with some protection against flu during the first few months of life.

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