NHS Flu vaccinations for over 65s and at risk groups

The flu vaccine is recommended for people with certain long-term health conditions, including:

• conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis

• heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure

• chronic kidney disease

• liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis

• some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, 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 condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine

• problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you've had your spleen removed

• a learning disability

• being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you're not sure if you're eligible for the flu vaccine.

Most 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.

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.