Seasonal flu

Seasonal flu is a highly-infectious respiratory illness caused by a variety of different flu viruses. It spreads rapidly through droplets dispersed by the coughs and sneezes of infected people.

Each year, a vaccine is developed to protect against the strains of flu virus that are expected to be most prevalent that winter. This flu jab is used not just in the UK, but throughout the northern hemisphere. It gives good protection (70-80% reliability) against all strains of flu included in the vaccination and lasts for a year.

The entire process of developing the seasonal flu vaccine is led, organised and overseen by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The flu jab is offered to people in at-risk groups. 

‘At risk’ groups who are entitled to a free seasonal flu jab are:

those aged 65

or overthose who have a serious illness, including:

- chronic heart conditions

- chronic respiratory conditions (including asthma)

- chronic kidney disease or diabetes

lowered immunity due to HIV, steroid medication or cancer treatment

those who live in a long-stay residential home

main carers of an older or disabled person

mums to be

health care workers

You should check now to see if you or members of your family are in an at-risk group.

For more information about the way in which the seasonal flu vaccine is made and tested, see Seasonal flu jab - about the vaccine