Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine helps protect against seasonal influenza. It's especially worth considering before cruises, group tours, and travel to the southern hemisphere during its winter months, when flu circulates on the opposite schedule to the UK.
What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine helps protect against the strains of influenza expected to circulate that year, and is reformulated annually to match. It's given as a single injection and typically provides protection for around a year.
Who should consider this vaccine?
- Travellers going on cruises or group tours, where flu can spread easily in close quarters
- Anyone travelling to the southern hemisphere during its winter (roughly April–September), outside the UK's usual flu season
- Older travellers or those with underlying health conditions who fall outside this year's NHS eligibility window
- Anyone wanting to reduce their risk of illness disrupting travel plans
The NHS offers the flu vaccine free each autumn to eligible groups. We offer it privately for travellers and others outside NHS criteria, or who'd prefer to book directly without a GP appointment.
Doses & schedule
A single injection is all that's needed. Ideally have it at least 2 weeks before travel so protection has time to build, though it can be given closer to departure if required. Your clinician will confirm suitability and timing at your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
It's not a legal entry requirement anywhere, but it's worth considering for cruises, group tours, long-haul flights, and travel to the southern hemisphere during its winter (roughly April to September), when flu season runs opposite to the UK's.
A single dose typically provides protection for about a year, as the vaccine is updated annually to match circulating strains. If you're travelling to the southern hemisphere outside the UK's flu season, your clinician can advise on timing.
Yes, in most cases it can be given at the same appointment as other travel vaccines. Your clinician will confirm what's suitable for you on the day.
The NHS offers it free to eligible groups (e.g. over-65s, pregnant women, certain health conditions) each autumn. We offer it privately for travellers and others outside NHS eligibility, or who'd prefer to book directly without a GP appointment.