Flu vaccination by injection, commonly known as the 'flu jab' is available every year on the NHS to protect adults (and some children) at risk of flu and its complications.

Flu can be unpleasant, but if you are otherwise healthy it will usually clear up on its own within a week.

However, flu can be more severe in certain people such as:

• anyone over the age of 65 
• pregnant women
• children and adults with an underlying health condition (particularly long-term heart or respiratory disease)
• children and adults with weakened immune systems

Anyone in these risk groups is more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia (a lung infection), so it's recommended that they have a flu vaccine every year to protect them. 

People who should have a flu jab

The injected flu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are at risk to ensure that they are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.

You are eligible to receive a free flu jab if you: 

• are 65 years of age or over  
• are pregnant 
• have certain medical conditions  
• are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility 
• receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main Carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill