Advice

Flu jabs for people affected by dementia

Flu is a viral infection that causes fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. It tends to be more common during the winter period.  

Flu can be a serious illness, particularly when a person is old or frail. Every year, flu causes thousands of deaths in the UK. People with dementia have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and needing to go into hospital.

The best way to protect yourself against the flu is to have a flu vaccine. This also helps to stop the virus from spreading from person to person and affecting those close to you.  

Most people who are eligible for a flu jab will also be offered a COVID-19 vaccine. These can often be given at the same time at a local pharmacy, GP clinic or walk-in centre. Having both vaccines can save time and make sure you’re protected from both illnesses through the winter. You don’t have to have both jabs if you don’t want to. 

Who can have the flu jab for free?

Free flu vaccines are now being offered to adults who:

• are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)
• are living in a care home
• have a learning disability
• have certain long-term health conditions (for example, heart disease, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease)  
• have certain long-term health conditions (for example, heart disease, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease, or conditions that affect breathing)  
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• are pregnant 

Even though this covers almost everyone with dementia, it might not apply to some younger people with the condition. If this is the case for you, speak to your GP and ask if they are happy to provide the vaccine because of your dementia diagnosis.

You may be advised not to have the flu jab if you are allergic to one of the ingredients. 

Where and when can I get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is available from your GP, local pharmacy or walk-in centre from September onwards through the winter. The quickest ways to book an appointment are through the NHS booking system or by calling your GP surgery.

The NHS advises that autumn is the best time to have a flu vaccine, but you can also have it later in winter. The sooner you have the vaccine, the sooner you will be protected. 

How much does the flu jab cost if I’m not eligible?

Many pharmacies can provide a flu vaccine to people who aren’t eligible for a free one. Expect to pay around £20 in most cases. 

I had a flu jab last year. Do I need another one?

Yes. There are many different strains of flu and every year the mix of the different strains that are making people ill is different. Last year’s flu vaccine might not protect against this year’s flu. This is why every year a new vaccine is made to protect people from the flu strains that are around at the time. 

This blog was first published in October 2018 and most recently updated in October 2024.