Who shouldn't have the flu jab?

Very few people are unable to have the flu jab, but you should avoid it if you have had a serious allergic reaction to the flu jab in the past.

Egg allergy and the flu jab

People who have egg allergy may be at increased risk of reaction to the injectable flu vaccine because some flu jabs are made using eggs.

In recent years, flu jabs that are egg-free have become available. If an egg-free flu vaccine isn't available, your GP may be able to find a suitable flu vaccine with a low egg content.

Depending on the severity of your egg allergy, your GP may decide to refer you to a specialist to have the vaccination in hospital.

Fever and the flu jab

If you are ill with a fever, it's best to delay your flu vaccination until you have recovered. There is no need to delay your flu jab if you have a minor illness with no fever such as a cold.

Read 10 myths about flu and the flu jab.

Antibiotics and the flu jab

It is fine to have the flu jab while you are taking antibiotics.

Children and the flu jab

Children over the age of two who are eligible for annual flu vaccination are usually given it as a nasal spray instead of an injected flu vaccine. Find out which children can and can't have nasal spray flu vaccine.