<p> Aims and intended learning outcomes The aim of this article is to review the need for, and administration of, the influenza vaccine, as well as the role of the nurse in identifying key target groups in need of immunisation against influenza. After reading this article you should be able to:</p> ■ <p>Understand the difference between active and passive immunity</p> ■ <p>Identify the key target groups for influenza vaccination</p> ■ <p>Describe the nature and presentation of the influenza vaccine</p> ■ <p>Discuss the professional issues pertaining to immunisation against influenza</p> ■ <p>Identify key elements of the nurse’s role in influenza immunisation programmes.</p>