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Vaccinations

Flu vaccine

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The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk from flu, including all adults aged 65 and over and people with certain health conditions.

Most people can get a flu vaccine from a GP surgery or some pharmacies. Some people get it through their employer, care home or an antenatal clinic.

Most people who need it can have the flu vaccine. You cannot have it if you've had a serious allergic reaction to it or an ingredient in it.

You can check the ingredients in the flu vaccine by asking to see the patient leaflet or searching for it online.

Side effects of the flu vaccine include pain or soreness where the injection was given, a slightly raised temperature and an aching body.

The flu vaccine helps protect you against common types of flu viruses. There's still a chance you might get flu, but it's likely to be milder.

Page last reviewed: 23/11/2023
Next review due: 23/11/2026