Flu or influenza is a common and highly infectious disease that can cause unpleasant symptoms, including fever, aches, sore throat, fatigue and nausea. In very rare cases it can lead to hospitalisation. If you have MS, catching the flu can make your MS symptoms worse. You may notice this particularly if you find that your MS symptoms usually get worse in the heat.
NICE guidelines recommend that a flu vaccine is routinely offered free to people in the UK who are at risk of severe health complications following influenza infection. This includes:
- people who are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long term health conditions including MS
- people who are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
- young children
- people who are pregnant
- anyone who gets a carer’s allowance, or anyone who is a main carer for an older or disabled person
- people living with someone who has a weakened immune system.
People with MS are encouraged to have vaccinations which are part of the national vaccinations programme (NHS UK). This includes the flu vaccine.
In exceptionally rare cases, having any vaccination can trigger complications. People with MS are at no greater risk of complications from the flu vaccine than the general population.
While some disease modifying therapies (DMTs) disease modifying therapies (DMTs) can affect your immune system’s response to vaccines, vaccines including the flu vaccine, will still help protect you against serious illness.
Being vaccinated against flu does not change your chances of developing MS or of having a relapse if you already have MS.
In some cases, for example if you’re unwell or experiencing a relapse, you may be advised to defer vaccination until you are feeling better.
MS does not weaken the immune system. However, some MS treatments, including certain DMTs which work by suppressing the immune system can weaken your immune system.
If you are being treated with a DMT that affects your immune system, you are generally advised not to have a live-attenuated vaccine. The flu vaccine is a not a live vaccine.
If your immune system is weakened, you are generally advised to avoid close contact with anyone who has been given the nasal spray for one to two weeks.Young children are usually given the vaccine via a nasal spray. If you have a child in your household or take care of a child, it may be recommended that they have the flu vaccine as an injection instead of the nasal spray.
We have more information about vaccination and immunisation.
There are several types of flu vaccine given in the UK. These are intended for different groups of people. Your healthcare team will help you work out which vaccine is most appropriate for you.
The different vaccines are administered either by injection or nasal spray. Injectable vaccines, also known as jabs, contain inactive versions of the selected flu strains. Young children are usually given the vaccine via a nasal spray. This contains a live but weakened version of the flu virus. This type of vaccine is called a live-attenuated vaccine.
For people with MS, the side effects of the flu vaccine are the same as for any other person who receives it. The most common side effects are mild and usually get better within a few days. These can include soreness at the injection site or an aching body.
Speak to your doctor or MS team if you have any questions or concerns about the flu vaccine.
If you live in England, you can book an appointment via the NHS website (NHS UK) or NHS app (NHS UK) without waiting to be invited. You can also find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination (NHS UK).
In Scotland and Wales, you should receive an invitation if you are eligible. In Scotland, you can book through the online booking portal (NHS Scotland) or call 0800 030 8013. In Wales, you can use the NHS Wales App.
If you live in Northern Ireland, your GP may contact you with an appointment. You can also get the flu jab at a community pharmacy or book an appointment at a Trust location through NI vaccinations.
The NHS has more information about the flu vaccine.
