NHS U65s Flu Vaccination
Appointments are now unavailable due to vaccines being out of stock for the time being.
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Free NHS Flu vaccination jabs are available this autumn. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged under 65
- 25th Oct – vaccine for over 65s now out of stock
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Book your appointment online now and choose from our convenient community pharmacy locations
What is the flu virus?
Influenza (flu) is an infectious virus and can be serious. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache and tiredness. The virus spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze, or when they touch surfaces where the virus has landed then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter.
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
Why have the NHS flu vaccine?
Flu is unpleasant for most people but for some people it can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time and the types of flu virus the vaccine protects against are updated each year. This is why it’s important to get the flu vaccine every year.
The flu vaccine aims to protect you against the most common types of flu viruses.
The NHS offers free flu jabs to people at the highest risk of serious complications from flu. You may also be entitled to a flu vaccination on the NHS if you have caring obligations for a vulnerable individual.
Not eligible for the NHS flu jab?
If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccination, you can still get the flu jab as a paid for service for only £17. This is ideal for individuals who are not eligible for a free jab on the NHS but are looking to protect themselves this winter. Click here to book an appointment and get your private flu jab this season.
Antibiotics and the flu
Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as flu. GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
How to avoid spreading the flu
The flu is very contagious and can spread quickly to other people. In the first five days, you’re likely to pass it on to other people.
Germs from coughs and sneezes can remain on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours, which is how the flu is spread.
To minimize the chance of flu spreading:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (if you don’t have one, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow rather than your hand).
- After you’ve used tissues, promptly bin them.
- If you have a high temperature or don’t feel well enough, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
Treatment
There are several types of flu vaccine. Your pharmacy team will be able to tell you which vaccine you are being given on the day of your appointment. You will be offered one that is most appropriate for you. None of the vaccines can give you flu.
Book an appointment
For your autumn flu jab, please book online for a face-to-face appointment with our qualified qualified healthcare professionals. Appointments are available across all our of Pharmacy+Health branches.
How it works
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Frequently Asked Questions
The NHS wants us to vaccinate the following adults in autumn 2024:
Those aged 65 years and over
Adults under 65 years with long term health conditions (clinical risk groups)
pregnant women
Those in long-stay residential care homes
Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible for a free vaccination, contact your local Pharmacy+Health branch.
The flu vaccine is safe and effective. There may be some side effects but these are usually mild and should disappear within a day or two. The most common ones include soreness at the injection site, an elevated temperature, headaches, sore muscles/joints and generally feeling unwell.
Tell your pharmacist if you have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past. Some vaccines are made from eggs. If you are allergic to eggs, ask our pharmacist for a low-egg or egg-free vaccine.
After your flu vaccination, it usually takes 10 days to two weeks to achieve full protection. If you do catch flu after being vaccinated, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long.
Most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy.
If you have a high temperature, wait until you’re feeling better before having your flu vaccine.
You can book your appointment online now. Alternatively, give us a call or walk into your local Pharmacy+Health branch. We’ll check your eligibility and arrange an appointment at a time to suit you, in some cases we may be able to offer your vaccination immediately once the vaccination is available, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Yes, according to the NHS, research shows that if you catch Covid-19 and flu at the same time you’re likely to be seriously ill so it’s important and safe to have both vaccinations if you’re invited to.
Your local Pharmacy+Health branch can also provide your Covid-19 booster if you’re eligible.