I have small children. Is there any danger of passing infection to them if I have a Flu jab myself?

No, there is no risk of passing on an infection from just having the flu jab. The standard, injected flu vaccine does not contain live virus. The virus within is “dead” inactivated virus and is used to gain an immune response but not to actively give you the flu virus.

Having the flu jab adds to community protection which in turn would benefit and protect your children, if you don’t plan to vaccinate them. You should, however, consider vaccinating your children with either the flu jab or the nasal spray – depending on their age.

Having the flu jab does not mean you are completely protected. In some circumstances, you can still get the flu if you are exposed to the virus from another infected person i.e. from a cough or sneeze however you have more protection if you are vaccinated than if you are not.

We recommend all those who can to get vaccinated. The flu jab remains the most effective protection against the flu.