You should be offered a free flu vaccine each year. This is available on the NHS for anyone at increased risk of getting seriously ill from flu. This includes people with blood cancer and people who’ve had blood cancer in the past.
People who live with you should also get a free flu vaccine on the NHS, to help protect you from infection.
How often do I need the flu vaccine?
You should get one dose of the flu vaccine every year, around autumn. The protection given by the vaccine fades over time, and the vaccine is updated each year to match the circulating flu viruses.
How to get the flu vaccine:
If you’re eligible for the flu vaccine you can:
- book an appointment at your GP surgery
- book an appointment online in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- book an appointment through the NHS App
- visit a pharmacy or pop-up clinic offering walk-in appointments.
For winter 2025/2026, the last date you can get your flu vaccine is 31 March 2026. It’s best to get vaccinated as soon as you can to protect yourself through the winter.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
It’s safe to have the flu vaccine injection if you have blood cancer. The only people who cannot have the vaccine are those with serious allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients.
The nasal spray version of the flu vaccine is not recommended for people with a weakened immune system.
If your immune system is severely weakened (such as after a stem cell transplant) you should avoid close contact with anyone who’s recently had the nasal spray flu vaccine. You can have close contact again around two weeks after the vaccination.
The nasal spray flu vaccine is usually offered to children. Tell your child’s school nurse or GP if you’re concerned about them having the nasal spray flu vaccine. They may offer your child the flu injection instead.
The nasal spray flu vaccine is a live vaccine. Read more about live and non-live vaccines below.