Quick answer: Arthritis alone does not usually make you eligible, but you can get a free NHS flu vaccine if you are 65 or over, if your immune system is weakened by medicines such as steroid tablets, methotrexate or biologics, or if you are a main carer. The adult flu jab is not live, so it is safe on these medicines. Book through your GP surgery, a pharmacy or the NHS App, and do not stop your arthritis medicines without advice.
Flu can make anyone ill, but it can hit harder if your immune system is dampened by arthritis medicines, if you are older, or if you also live with frailty. A flu jab each autumn is one of the simplest ways to lower that risk. This guide explains who can get it free on the NHS, what to know if you take arthritis medicines, and how to book.
Can I get a free flu jab if I have arthritis?
Having arthritis on its own does not usually qualify you. In England, the NHS currently offers a free flu vaccine to people who:
- are aged 65 or over
- are 18 to 64 with certain long-term conditions, including a weakened immune system due to a condition or a treatment such as steroid medicine
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or get Carer's Allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are pregnant
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus or other inflammatory conditions take medicines that weaken the immune system, such as methotrexate, leflunomide, azathioprine, biologics, JAK inhibitors or steroid tablets. If that is you, you are likely to be eligible. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own programmes with similar groups, so check your local NHS website. If you are not sure, ask your GP surgery or rheumatology team.
Is the flu jab safe on arthritis medicines?
The flu vaccine given to adults is an injection that does not contain live virus, so it cannot give you flu and is suitable for people with a weakened immune system. It may work a little less well on some medicines, but it still gives useful protection. The nasal spray flu vaccine is live and is offered to children, not adults on these medicines.
- Do not stop or pause your arthritis medicines yourself. Some rheumatology teams give advice about the timing of certain medicines around vaccines; ask yours if you are unsure
- If you are unwell with a fever on the day, it is usually better to wait until you feel better
- A sore arm and feeling a bit achy for a day or two are common
Our vaccines on DMARDs and biologics guide explains live and non-live vaccines in more detail, and our biologics and infection guide covers infection risk on these medicines.
How to book
- Book online or in the NHS App
- Find a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu jabs
- Contact your GP surgery
It is best to have it early in the season, before flu starts circulating widely. If getting out is hard because of arthritis or frailty, ask your GP surgery whether a home visit is possible.
Carers can get one too
If you are the main carer for someone with arthritis or frailty, or you get Carer's Allowance, you can usually get a free flu jab. Protecting yourself helps protect the person you care for. A carer's assessment may also help with other support.
Other vaccines to ask about
Depending on your age and medicines, you may also be offered COVID-19, pneumococcal (pneumonia) and shingles vaccines. Who is eligible changes from year to year, so check the NHS website or ask your GP surgery. Some vaccines, including some shingles vaccines, are live and may not suit you on certain medicines, so ask your rheumatology team before having them.
If you do catch flu
- Rest, drink plenty of fluids and keep warm; our cold weather guide has tips for keeping warm at home
- If you take medicines that weaken your immune system, contact your GP, NHS 111 or your rheumatology advice line early. Some teams advise pausing certain medicines during an infection, but only do this on their advice
- Get urgent help (999 or A&E) if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden confusion or you are getting worse quickly
Joints can ache more during and after an infection. The flare-up guide explains how to tell a flare from something more serious, and our staying active in winter guide helps you build back up gently.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have the flu jab if I take methotrexate?
Yes. The adult flu jab is not live and is recommended. Do not stop methotrexate without advice from your rheumatology team.
Does the flu jab cause an arthritis flare?
Some people feel achy for a day or two afterwards, which is a normal vaccine reaction. Flu itself is usually a bigger risk to your health.
I have osteoarthritis only. Can I get it free?
Only if you are in another eligible group, for example aged 65 or over or a carer. Otherwise some pharmacies offer a paid flu jab.
For more on arthritis medicines, see the painkillers and NSAIDs guide, the DMARDs explained guide and the rheumatoid arthritis hub.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Flu vaccine
- NHS: Flu
- NHS: Pneumococcal vaccine
- NHS: COVID-19 vaccine
- NHS: Shingles vaccine
- UKHSA: Immunisation against infectious disease (the Green Book)
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom — not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical review. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Vaccines on DMARDs and biologics — live and non-live vaccines
- Biologics and infections — infection risk and monitoring
- Rheumatoid arthritis — condition hub
- Carer's Allowance — support if you care for someone
- Cold weather and arthritis — keeping warm this winter
- Staying active in winter — building back up gently
- Flare-up guide — flare or something more serious
- Newly diagnosed — first steps