Flu jab side effects
Side effects from the flu jab are usually mild and pass in a couple of days. Some of the more common side effects are:
- Soreness in the muscle around the site of the injection
- Aches and pains
- A high temperature
The nasal vaccine often given to young children also only usually causes mild side effects. Some of the more common side effects are:
- A headache
- A runny or blocked nose
- Lack of appetite
- Feeling tired
Very rarely, people can experience serious side effects from the flu vaccine.
Some people have a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, but this is extremely uncommon. The person giving you the vaccine will be trained to deal with this situation.
The flu vaccine is safe to use and will not cause you harm.
The risk of any long term side effects from getting the flu vaccine is incredibly low.
Any side effects from the flu vaccine should not last more than a couple of days. If you are still feeling unwell a week after getting the vaccine, you may have another illness such as the common cold. Talk to your GP if you’re worried.
Flu vaccine side effects are about the same for people over 60 as for everyone else. This means they’re likely to be mild and pass quickly.
Getting the flu vaccine is even more important when you’re over 60. This is because if you do get the flu, you’re at a higher risk of complications.
Feeling unwell after the flu jab is normal. You may experience some side effects but the flu jab does not give you the flu. The version of the virus it contains is inactive or dead. Read more here.