Flu vaccine
See all parts of this guide Hide guide partsOverview
The flu vaccine's the best available protection against the flu virus. It’s very safe, only takes a few minutes and will last around a year.
Flu's more than a bad cold and can make people very unwell. It's highly infectious with symptoms that come on quickly and can hit anyone. In the most serious cases, flu can bring on pneumonia, or other serious infections which can, in extreme cases, result in death.
The vaccine's offered each winter flu season, which lasts from October to March.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Any strain of flu can be dangerous for people who are vulnerable to it. That's why the following people are urged to get the free flu vaccine as soon as it's available every winter to help protect against flu:
- People with a health condition
- People aged 65 years or over
- Pregnant women
- People that work in healthcare
- Unpaid carers and young carers
For information on the child flu vaccine, please visit the child flu page
What if I'm not in one of the eligible groups?
If you're 16 years old, or over, and not in one of the eligible groups for the free flu immunisation, you can get the vaccine in many high street pharmacies for a small fee.
What to do if I have flu?
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include symptoms such as:
- fever (temperature above 38°C)
- aches
- tiredness or exhaustion
- headache
More about the symptoms of flu
The vaccine
The vaccine takes around 10 days to work and should help protect you from flu for around a year. You have to get immunised every year because the viruses change constantly and your immunity reduces over time.
The flu vaccine can’t give you flu, but it can stop you catching it.
Which vaccines are used?
The following vaccines are routinely used in Scotland:
- Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur)
- Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (Mylan)
- Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (Flucelvax Tetra)
- Adjuvanted Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine - aTIV (Fluad®)
Fluad® (aTIV vaccine)
The Fluad® vaccine contains an adjuvant. This is a substance added to a vaccine to help to stimulate the immune system and create a better response.
This vaccine's been:
- widely used in many other countries
- shown to offer better and longer lasting protection in older people than flu vaccines without an adjuvant
It's being offered this year to people aged 65 or over.
I have an egg allergy, can I have the vaccine?
Most of the vaccines for this year are prepared in hens’ eggs.
However one ‘egg-free’ brand which can be used in people from 9 years old has become available.
Arrangements are also in place for younger children with an egg allergy to receive the flu vaccine.
If you're affected, please speak to your GP practice for advice.
Is the vaccine effective?
Over the last 10 years, the flu vaccine's generally been a good match for the circulating strains of flu so you can be confident getting vaccinated is the best way to help protect yourself against flu. Even when it's not as well matched, if you catch flu and you've had the vaccine, symptoms may be less severe, and you may be less likely to develop complications.
How do we know the vaccine's safe?
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The vaccine meets the high safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and other European countries. The vaccine has been given to millions of people worldwide.
Once they're in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the MHRA.
Where and when to get it
The flu vaccine's available from October to March. The earlier you get it, the less likely you'll get flu.
If I'm aged 65 or over, where can I get the flu vaccine?
If you're aged 65 or over, you'll receive a letter through the post in early to mid October prompting you to contact your GP practice to make an appointment or find out about local flu clinic arrangements.
It only takes a few minutes to get immunised and could help to keep you well over the winter.
Find your local GP practice
If I've a health condition, where can I get the flu vaccine?
If you have a health condition, contact your GP practice to make an appointment or find out about local flu clinic arrangements.
It only takes a few minutes to get immunised and could help to keep you well over the winter.
If I'm pregnant, where can I get the flu vaccine?
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife to find out local arrangements for your flu vaccine .
It only takes a few minutes to get immunised and could help to keep you and your baby in the best possible health over the winter.
The flu vaccine's available from October to March. You can get it at any stage during your pregnancy. The earlier you get it, the less likely it is that you will get flu.
If I'm a healthcare worker, where can I get the flu vaccine?
If you're a healthcare worker, contact your line manager or occupational health department for details about getting your vaccine.
If I'm an unpaid or young carer, where can I get the flu vaccine?
If you're an unpaid or young carer, contact your GP practice to make an appointment or find out about local flu clinic arrangements.
It only takes a few minutes to get immunised and could help to keep you and the people around you well over the winter.
Improving how vaccines are offered in Scotland
To improve how vaccinations are offered, you may notice:
- you're invited to a new location to receive your immunisations instead of your GP practice
- the health professional giving your immunisations changes
You'll still receive clear information about the location, date and time of your appointment.
How to arrange a flu vaccination
Most GP practices provide the flu vaccination in Scotland.
However, some health boards now offer vaccinations through specialist vaccination clinics.
The flu vaccination is recommended for the following eligible groups:
Delay to nasal spray vaccine
This year, the delivery of the child flu vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine called Fluenz Tetra) from the manufacturer has been delayed UK-wide.
Vaccination clinics by health board
How the flu vaccination is being provided in your area.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife to find out how to get your vaccination.
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Borders
If you're pregnant, speak to your community midwife to find out how to get your vaccination.
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway
For all eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Fife
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife to find out how to get your vaccination.
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Forth Valley
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife to find out how to get your vaccination.
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Grampian
If you're pregnant:
- speak to your midwife to find out how to get your vaccination
- you'll be given your flu vaccination at the antenatal clinics at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital during the flu season (October to March)
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
For people with a health condition, people over 65 and carers, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife to find out how to get your flu vaccination.
Children aged 2 to 5 years and not yet in primary school
The East Dunbartonshire Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Milngavie Clinic if they're registered at:
- The Terrace Medical Practice, 160 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 3RD
- Kessington Medical Centre, 85 Milngavie Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 2DN
- Ashfield Medical Practice, 1 Ashfield Road, Milngavie, G62 6BT
- Drs Blair, Secrett & Coombs, Denbridge Surgery, 96 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 2SY
- Kersland House Surgery, 37 Station Road, Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 8BT
- Drs Stewart, Pilsworth & Rolinski, Denbridge Surgery, 96 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 2SY
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 0141 232 4853.
The East Renfrewshire Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Barrhead Health & Care Clinic if they're registered at:
- Gleniffer Medical Group, Barrhead Health & Care Centre, 213 Main Street, Glasgow, G78 1SW
- Oaks Medical Practice, Barrhead Health & Care Centre, 213 Main Street, Glasgow, G78 1SW
- Levern Medical Group, Barrhead Health & Care Centre, 213 Main Street, Glasgow, G78 1SW
- Neilston Medical Centre, 1 High Street, Neilston, Glasgow, G78 3HJ
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 0141 577 3477.
The Glasgow City (North West) Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Drumchapel Health Centre if they're registered at:
- Dr S Haggerty - The Medical Practice, 250 Drumchapel Road, Glasgow, G15 6EG
- Yokermill Medical Practice, 6 Yokermill Road, Glasgow, G13 4PU
- Drs Logan & MacDonald, Drumchapel Health Centre, 80-90 Kinfauns Drive, Glasgow, G15 7TS
- Garscadden Burn Medical Practice, Drumchapel Health Centre, 80-90 Kinfauns Drive, Glasgow, G15 7TS
- Drumchapel Medical Practice, Drumchapel Health Centre, 80-90 Kinfauns Drive, Glasgow, G15 7TS
- Kinfauns Medical Practice, Drs Turnbull & Coyle, Drumchapel Health Centre, 80-90 Kinfauns Drive, Glasgow, G15 7TS
- Drs Duffy and Morgan, Drumchapel Health Centre, 80-90 Kinfauns Drive, Glasgow, G15 7TS
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 0141 211 6176.
The Glasgow City (South) Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Castlemilk Health Centre if they're registered at:
- Dr McEvinney & Partners, 44 Croftfoot Road, Glasgow, G44 5JT
- Khan Medical Practice, 274 Kings Park Avenue, Glasgow, G44 7JE
- Castlemilk Group Practice, 71 Dougrie Drive, Glasgow, G45 9AW
- The Ker Practice, 30 Croftfoot Road, Glasgow, G44 5JT
- Kings Park Surgery, 274 Kings Park Avenue, Glasgow, G44 7JE
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 07580 514 529.
The Glasgow City (South) Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at New Gorbals Health and Care Centre if they're registered at:
- Dr Mills & Dr Marshall Practice, New Gorbals Health and Care Centre, 2 Sandiefield Road, Glasgow, G5 9AB
- Dr McEvinney & Partners, New Gorbals Health and Care Centre, 2 Sandiefield Road, Glasgow, G5 9AB
- Gordon Practice, New Gorbals Health and Care Centre, 2 Sandiefield Road, Glasgow, G5 9AB
- The Ker Practice, New Gorbals Health and Care Centre, 2 Sandiefield Road, Glasgow, G5 9AB
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 07580 514529.
The Glasgow City (South) Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Thornliebank Health Centre if they're registered at:
- Arden Medical Practice, 74 Kyleakin Road, Glasgow, G46 8DH
- Drs Quigley, Canning, Wedlock & Kakar, Thornliebank Health Centre, 20 Kennishead Road, Thornliebank, Glasgow, G46 8NY
- McColl McLaughlin Medical Practice, Thornliebank Health Centre, 20 Kennishead Road, Thornliebank, Glasgow, G46 8NY
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 07580 514529.
The Inverclyde Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Port Glasgow Health Centre if they're registered at:
- Drs McCartney, Addiscott & Green, Port Glasgow Health Centre, 2 Bay Street, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5EW
- Drs MacDonald & Partners, Port Glasgow Health Centre, 2 Bay Street, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5EW
- Newark Medical Practice, Port Glasgow Health Centre, 2 Bay Street, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5EW
- Port Glasgow Medical Centre, 4 Dubbs Place, Port Glasgow, PA14 5UD
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 01475 501258.
The Renfrewshire Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Ferguslie Clinic if they're registered at:
- Tannahill Surgery, The Tannahill Centre, 76 Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1NT
- King Street Surgery, 15 King Street, Paisley, PA1 2PS
- Love Street Medical Practice, 40 Love Street, Paisley, PA3 2DY
- St James Medical Centre, 19 St James Street, Paisley, PA3 2HQ
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 0141 207 7402.
The Renfrewshire Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Linwood Health Centre if they're registered at:
- Strathgryffe Medical Practice, The Surgery, Kirk Road, Houston, PA6 7AR
- Ranfurly Surgery, Kilmacolm Road, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PS
- Dr Singh & Partners, Johnstone Health Centre, 60 Quarry Street, Johnstone, PA5 8EY
- Dr Richmond & Partners, Linwood Health Centre, 5 Bridge Street, Linwood, PA3 3DB
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 0141 207 7402.
The West Dunbartonshire Children and Families Team will offer your child their flu vaccine at your local Community Childhood Immunisation Clinic at Vale Centre for Health & Care if they're registered at:
- The Lennox Practice, Vale Centre for Health & Care, Main Street, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, G83 0UE
- Loch Lomond Surgery, 75 Bank Street, Alexandria, G83 0NB
- Dr K McLachlan and Partners, Vale Centre for Health & Care, Main Street, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, G83 0UE
- Oakview Medical Practice, Vale Centre for Health & Care, Main Street, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, G83 0UE
If you have not received an invitation letter or have lost your letter, phone 01389 828209.
If your child isn't registered at one of the GP practices listed above, contact your own GP practice to arrange their flu vaccination.
NHS Highland
For people with a health condition and carers, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife to find out how to get your flu vaccination.
Children aged 2 to 5 years and not yet in primary school
Children aged 2 to 5 years old (and not yet in primary school) on 1 September 2019 attending the following nurseries will receive their flu vaccinations at their nursery:
- Kilcreggan Nursery, G84 0HT - Tuesday 19 November
- St Joseph’s Nursery, G84 7LR - Thursday 21 November
- Mulberry Bush Nursery, G84 7EY - Monday 25 November
- Garelochhead Nursery, G84 0DG - Thursday 28 November
If your child isn't registered at one of these nurseries, contact your own GP practice to arrange your child's flu vaccination.
Adults aged 65 years or over by 31 March 2020
If you're registered at an Alness/Invergordon Medical Practice, phone 01463 706924 to arrange your flu vaccination.
If you're not registered at this practice, contact your own GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Lanarkshire
For people with a health condition, people over 65 and carers, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife to find out how to get your flu vaccination.
Children aged 2 to 5 years and not yet in primary school
Local immunisation teams will provide your child's flu vaccination if they're registered in the NHS Lanarkshire Health Board area.
To arrange your child's flu vaccination, phone 01698 855634 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.00pm).
NHS Lothian
If you're pregnant:
- contact your midwife or GP practice to find out how to get your flu vaccination
- for women attending St John's Hospital maternity clinics call 01506 524110/ 524024 for an appointment
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Orkney
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife or GP about getting your flu vaccination.
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Shetland
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife about getting your flu vaccination.
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
NHS Tayside
If you are a carer, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife or GP practice to find out how to get your flu vaccination.
Children aged 2 to 5 years and not yet in primary school
The Tayside Immunisation Team will provide your child's flu vaccination if they're registered in the NHS Tayside Health Board area.
To arrange your child's flu immunisation phone 01307 475240 from 1st October 2019.
Children with a health condition
The Tayside Immunisation Team will provide your child's flu vaccination if they're registered in the NHS Tayside Health Board area.
To arrange your child's flu immunisation phone 01307 475240 from 1st October 2019.
Adults aged 65 years or over and adults with a health condition
If you're registered at one of these Forfar practices:
your flu vaccination will be offered at the Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre rather than at your own GP practice.
If you're registered at Kirriemuir Medical Practice your flu vaccination will be provided at your practice.
If you're registered at one of these four practices, you'll be contacted with more detailed information about how to get your flu vaccination and there's no need to contact the practice.
All other patients should contact their own GP practice to arrange a flu vaccination.
NHS Western Isles
If you're pregnant, speak to your midwife to find out how to get your vaccination.
For all other eligible groups, contact your GP practice to arrange your flu vaccination.
Healthcare workers
If you're a healthcare worker you can arrange a flu vaccination by contacting your line manager or occupational health department.
More about the flu vaccine for healthcare workers
Primary school children
If your child is in primary school, you'll receive a letter, leaflet and consent form for the flu vaccination from NHS Scotland.
The school will let you know when the NHS vaccination nurse will come to give your child the flu vaccine at school.
More about the child flu vaccine for primary school children
People with a health condition, people over 65, and carers
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer recommends you have the free flu vaccine every year if you:
- have a health condition (no matter what age you are and how fit and healthy you feel)
- are aged 65 or over
- are an unpaid or young carer
It’s the safest and most effective way to help protect yourself against flu.
Why get the vaccine
Every year in Scotland, around two-thirds of people who get severe flu and need intensive care treatment have a health condition such as diabetes, chronic lung or heart disease.
Adults with a health condition are more at risk of flu-related complications and need extra protection. Even if you’re young, fit and healthy, and your condition's normally under control.
If you’re aged 65 or over, or an unpaid or young carer, you should also get extra protection.
Who should have the flu vaccine?
People with a health condition are at greater risk from flu. Conditions and diseases which can make flu more dangerous include:
- asthma
- stroke
- multiple sclerosis
- bronchitis
- liver problems such as cirrhosis/hepatitis
- emphysema
- diabetes
- cystic fibrosis
- asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
- chronic heart disease
- being very overweight
- chronic kidney failure
- HIV infection
If you've a health condition, speak to your GP or practice nurse to find out if you should have the flu vaccine.
Anyone undergoing chemotherapy treatment or on medication that reduces their immunity is at higher risk and should get immunised.
If you’re under 18 years and have a health condition (or care for someone who does) you should also get the vaccine. You may be eligible to have the vaccine as a nasal (nose) spray. For more information visit the child flu page.
Carers
Unpaid carers and young carers are also eligible for the free flu vaccine.
Contact your GP practice to book an appointment or find out about local flu clinic arrangements.
Pregnant women
The Royal College of Midwives along with Scotland’s Chief Medical and Chief Nursing Officers recommend that all pregnant women should have the free flu vaccine, even if you’ve had it before or this isn’t your first baby.
Why get the vaccine
Pregnant women are more at risk of flu-related complications and need extra protection.
Every year in Scotland, a number of pregnant women will get flu, some of whom will require hospitalisation and intensive care treatment.
Pregnant women with a health condition such as diabetes or asthma are particularly vulnerable.
The flu vaccine:
- can help protect you and your developing baby against this year’s flu virus
- contains no live viruses, so it can't give you flu
- is safe for your baby and for you at any stage of your pregnancy
Even if you’ve had a flu vaccine in the past, you need to get protected again this year because the virus changes constantly and your immunity reduces over time.
The flu vaccine takes around 10 days to work, so the sooner you get it the better.
If you’ve been pregnant before, remember that a healthy flu-free pregnancy last time is no guarantee that you won’t catch flu this time. To make sure you get the maximum protection, you need to get the vaccine again.
Healthcare workers
Scotland’s Chief Medical and Chief Nursing Officers agree – healthcare workers should have the flu vaccine. Don’t risk it for yourself, or the people you're caring for.
Why should healthcare workers get the vaccine?
Healthcare workers are more likely to be exposed to the flu virus. Every year in Scotland, a number of healthcare workers get flu, particularly where there are flu outbreaks in care homes and hospitals.
Having the vaccine:
- is the best way to help protect yourself against flu this year
- reduces the risk of spreading flu to your family, patients and colleagues who could be at risk of catching the virus
Infected healthcare workers can spread their infection to their patients and family even if they've very mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all.
Patients with health conditions are 18 times more likely to die from flu than people without health conditions. In fact, people with a compromised immune system are over 50 times more likely than a healthy person to die of flu. And people with liver problems are 80 times more likely to die.
Even for healthy people, flu can be serious, making them feel extremely unwell and unable to carry on with everyday activities.
Who should have the flu vaccine?
It’s recommended that anyone who works in health and social care, and is directly involved in patient care, should have the flu vaccine. This includes, but isn't limited to:
- anyone who works in a GP practice, pharmacy, dental surgery or hospital
- workers in paediatric wards, cancer centres and intensive care
- those working in social care or care homes
Is there more information available for healthcare workers?
Visit the NHS Education for Scotland website to watch a short film and find out why getting immunised against flu's important.
After the vaccine
As with all medicines, side effects of the flu vaccine are possible, but usually mild and may include:
- injection site tenderness, swelling and/or redness
- headache
- muscle ache
- fever (temperature above 38°C).
More information on the possible side effects of the flu vaccine is available in the Patient Information Leaflets (PILs):
- Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (Sanofi Pasteur)
- Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (Mylan)
- Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (Flucelvax Tetra)
- Adjuvanted Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine - aTIV (Fluad®)
Where can I report suspected side effects?
You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme.
This can be done by:
- visiting the Yellow Card Scheme website
- phoning the free Yellow Card hotline on 0808 100 3352 (available Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 2.00pm)
Further information
If you’re unsure about anything, or have any questions about the flu vaccine, phone:
- your GP practice
- the NHS inform helpline
Immunisation leaflets
NHS Health Scotland has produced leaflets explaining the flu vaccination in Scotland, why it's offered and when it's given.
These leaflets are also available in Easy Read English and other languages - including Polish, Mandarin (Simplified Chinese) and Arabic.
Living with a health condition? Flu leaflet
Work in healthcare? Flu leaflet
Older, have a health condition, work in healthcare or pregnant? Flu audio leaflets
Source: NHS Health Scotland
Help us improve NHS inform
Also on NHS inform
Other health sites
