The flu is a common and highly infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. It leads to hundreds of thousands of GP visits and tens of thousands of hospital stays each year in the UK. Most people recover without treatment but it can be very dangerous and cause serious complications, sometimes even death.
It is very important to get the flu vaccine if you are advised to.
The following groups are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination during the 2025-26 season (1 September 2025 - 31 March 2026):
From 1 September 2025:
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years.
From 1 October 2025:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or personal health budgets, such as personal assistants.
You should be contacted by the NHS if you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine.
You will be able to get your vaccine from your GP surgery (all ages except school-aged children not in a clinical risk group) or a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (18+). You will be able to book your flu vaccination appointment using the National Booking Service from 01 September 2025.
Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home, or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker.
Children aged 2 and 3 years old will get the children's flu vaccine at their GP surgery.
School-aged children (Reception to Year 11) will be offered a vaccine through their school or a community clinic.
Note: those who are eligible for Covid-19 vaccination this autumn/winter can book this appointment at the same time.
It is important that you have the right information when making any descision about taking a new medicine or vaccination. False information can lead to some not being able to make an informed choice.
Below we have provided the correct information from the NHS for some common myths about the flu vaccination.
False claim: The flu jab is not halal
Mythbuster: The flu jab does not contain any pork ingredient or gelatine. Only the flu nasal spray for children includes porcine gelatin. The British Fatwa council has permitted the use of the nasal spray in children. You can also ask your GP for an alternative flu vaccine for your child if you do not want them to have the nasal spray.
False claim: the vaccinations contain pork
Mythbuster: The flu and COVID-19 jabs do not contain any pork ingredients or gelatine. Only the flu nasal spray for children includes porcine gelatine. The British Fatwa council has permitted the use of the nasal spray in children. An alternative vaccine is also available for children which does not include porcine gelatine.
False claim: The flu nasal spray can make your child unwell
Mythbuster: The children's nasal spray may cause a runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness and some loss of appetite. But these symptoms usually end within 2 days and are far less serious than the effects of contracting flu.
False claim: The flu is not serious for children so it’s best to let them catch it
Mythbuster: Flu in children can be serious - it can lead to high fever, painful ear infections, acute bronchitis, pneumonia and even hospitalisation. Give your child the free flu vaccine to help protect them and vulnerable family and friends.
False claim: The nasal flu spray can give your child autism
Mythbuster: The nasal flu spray will definitely not give your child autism. The claims that the MMR vaccine causes autism have been discredited many times and there is absolutely no link between the nasal flu spray and autism.
False claim: The nasal flu spray can give your child COVID-19
Mythbuster: The nasal flu spray has been used for many years and does not contain SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19. The nasal flu spray will definitely not give your child COVID-19.
False claim: The flu jab gives you serious side effects
Mythbuster: Only 1 in a million people get serious side effects from the flu jab. All adult vaccines are given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm. Most side effects are mild and only last for a couple of days, such as:
- having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around a day or two following the vaccination
- feeling tired
- headache
- general aches, or mild flu-like symptoms
To help reduce the discomfort, make sure you get some rest, continue to move your arm regularly, and if you need it - take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Some people, including those who are pregnant, should not take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it.
False claim: The flu vaccine will give you the flu
Mythbuster: It won't. The flu jab cannot give you the flu - it does not contain any of the live flu virus.
False claim: The flu vaccine will make you test positive for Covid-19
Mythbuster: The flu jab will not make you test positive for coronavirus. The COVID-19 test looks for the specific genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Flu viruses have a very different genetic sequence. The flu vaccine can definitely not affect the result of the COVID-19 test.
False claim: It’s not safe to get my flu jab at the NHS
Mythbuster: The NHS has taken every precaution to protect you and put robust plans in place to provide flu jabs in a COVID-safe way. If you are invited for a flu jab appointment, it's important you attend. If you are eligible for a flu vaccine and have not heard from the NHS, please ask your GP practice.
False claim: The flu vaccine itself is not safe
Mythbuster: The flu vaccination is safe and effective and must be given annually. It cannot give you the flu. It does not protect you from COVID-19, but it does protect against the strains of flu that will circulate this year.
False claim: The flu vaccine comes with a microchip implant
Mythbuster: An edited video has been shared on social media showing people being implanted with a microchip. This video was about an American company which offered its staff a microchip implant in their finger to buy snacks or use computers and photocopiers. This was not a video of a flu jab and the flu jab does not contain microchips.
False claim: The flu shot contains Covid-19
Mythbuster: Recent posts on social media claiming that the flu vaccine contains COVID-19 are false. The flu vaccine has been used for many years and does not contain SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19.
False claim: Flu can be treated with antibiotics
Mythbuster: Viruses cause flu. Antibiotics only work against bacteria. A bacterial infection may occur because of having the flu, in which case you may be given antibiotics to treat that infection, this will not protect against the flu.
False claim: You do not need to get the flu jab every year
Mythbuster: Viruses change and the protection these vaccines offer fades over time. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from the viruses, the NHS offers a free vaccine in winter to top up protection.
False claim: I have had the flu so it is too late to be vaccinated
Mythbuster: As flu is caused by several viruses, the immunity you naturally developed will only protect you against one of them. You could go on to catch another strain. If you think you’ve already had flu, once you’ve recovered you should still get the vaccine as it will still help protect you.
False claim: Healthy people do not need to be vaccinated
Mythbuster: While it is especially important for people who have a long-term condition or chronic illness to get the flu jab, everyone benefits from being vaccinated. In addition, it is free if you are 65 and over and as we age, our natural immunity weakens increasing vulnerability to the flu virus
False claim: Getting the flu jab is all you need to protect yourself
Mythbuster: Do not forget to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try to avoid contact with people who have the flu. This is particularly important in the context of Covid -19.
False claim: Getting the flu jab while pregnant will harm my baby
Mythbuster: Having the flu vaccine will help protect you and your baby. They are safe to have at any stage of pregnancy and recommended.
Mythbuster translations
Further information on the flu vaccine can be found here:
- Adults: Flu vaccine - NHS
- Children: Children's flu vaccine - NHS
- Pregnant people: The flu jab in pregnancy - NHS
Some people with a learning disability are more likely to be very ill if they get flu.
The best way to avoid getting flu is to have a flu vaccine.
Below are resources explaining how and why you should get the vaccine this winter.