Can I have a flu jab with a cold?

COLD and flu season is upon us and there are several things to consider as temperatures drop.

One of those is getting a flu jab to boost your protection from this seasonal illness, which can be life-threatening for some.

The vaccine is offered on the NHS every year in autumn and early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Others may need to get it privately at their local pharmacy or supermarket.

But can you have a flu shot if you are currently battling a cold or do you have to wait until you feel well again?

Who should get the flue vaccine?

The NHS recommends the flu vaccine for people who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill.

This includes people aged 65 and older, as well as those taking care of them.

Pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions can also be at risk.

Those eligible can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment or use the NHS App.

Frontline health and social care workers can also get the vaccine through their employer.

On the other hand, people who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous vaccine should not get it.

Can you get the flu jab with a cold?

You can get the flu jab if you are suffering from a mild or minor illness, such as the common cold.

That includes symptoms of a runny nose, sneezing, cough or sore throat.

This will not have an effect on your body’s ability to build an immune response to the flu, even though it is currently fighting an illness.

If you are unsure, contact your GP first.

Can you get the flu jab with a fever?

No, you should not get the flu jab if you have a fever or feel very unwell. 

A fever is not normally a symptom of a cold, and it could be Covid or the flu itself. 

A fever is a sign that the immune system is working to battle an infection and may be too busy doing this to build the optimal protection against flu.

The jab. therefore. may be less effective at preventing the flu than if you got it when you were fit and healthy. 

It may also take a longer time for you to recover from the illness you are suffering with, as the immune system is dealing with two things at once.

As well as this, you should not go to your appointment if you have a fever anyway to avoid spreading bugs to other people.