NHA Pharmacy offers flu vaccinations as both an NHS and a private service, helping you stay protected through the winter without the wait for a GP appointment. The flu vaccination, commonly known as the “flu jab”, is a quick and effective way to reduce your risk of catching flu and of passing it on to the people around you. Our pharmacist-led service is convenient, professional and friendly, and we will check whether you qualify for a free NHS vaccination before you decide.
Who can have a free NHS flu jab?
The flu jab is available every year on the NHS to protect adults, and some children, who are at risk of flu and its complications. You are eligible to receive a free NHS flu jab if you:
- are 65 years of age or over;
- are pregnant;
- have certain medical conditions, particularly long-term heart or respiratory conditions, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or a weakened immune system;
- are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility;
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill;
- are a healthcare worker with direct patient contact, or a social care worker.
If you are not eligible for a free NHS jab under the list above, you can still have a private flu jab at our pharmacy. Call us to find out more and to check current availability and pricing.
Why have a flu vaccination?
Flu can be unpleasant for anyone, but if you are otherwise healthy it will usually clear up on its own within a week. For people in the at-risk groups, however, flu is much more likely to lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, a lung infection, which can require hospital treatment. Having a flu jab each year is one of the most effective ways for those at higher risk to protect themselves. Because the flu viruses in circulation change from one year to the next, the vaccine is updated annually and a new jab is needed every autumn or early winter.
How the flu jab works
Studies have shown that the flu jab works and will help to prevent you getting flu. It will not stop all flu viruses, and the level of protection may vary between people, so it is not a complete guarantee – but it considerably lowers the chance of becoming seriously unwell, and even if you do catch flu after being vaccinated your symptoms are likely to be milder and shorter. The vaccine cannot give you flu, as it does not contain any live virus.
What to expect at your appointment
Having your flu jab at NHA Pharmacy is straightforward. One of our trained pharmacists will ask you a few short questions about your health and medical history to confirm the vaccination is suitable for you. The injection itself takes only a moment and is given into the upper arm. You may experience a slightly sore arm afterwards, and occasionally a mild temperature or aching muscles for a day or so – this is normal and shows your body is building protection. The whole visit usually takes just a few minutes.
Book your flu jab
To arrange your NHS or private flu vaccination, or to check whether you are eligible for a free NHS jab, contact NHA Pharmacy on 01604 654214 or email [email protected]. You can also speak to our team in person. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 6:00pm. For more background on flu and the NHS flu programme, see our NHS flu information page.