Flu Vaccination Service
Here at Palmers Pharmacy, we are here here to protect you and your family from seasonal illnesses such as flu, this is why we offer the NHS free flu vaccination service which helps to prevent the spread of this virus.
Book your flu jab appointment with us today.
Vaccination is crucial because even the healthiest, fittest people can catch and spread the flu virus. Our pharmacy flu vaccination service is for everyone over the age of 18.
The flu vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. It's offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.
What is the free NHS flu vaccination service?
Every year during flu season (normally autumn or early winter), a free flu vaccination is offered on the NHS to those who are at higher risk of catching the virus. The flu can be a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition, that is spread through coughs and sneezes. It is therefore important to find a flu jab near you so you can protect yourself.
Who is eligible for the pharmacy flu vaccine?
The flu vaccination is recommended for those who are more likely to become seriously ill from the virus. You may qualify for the free NHS flu vaccination if you fit any one of the below criteria:
- 65 years old and over,
- Suffer from certain long term health conditions,
- Pregnant,
- Live in a care home,
- Main carer for an older or disabled person,
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system,
- Frontline health and social care worker (you can go through your employer for the vaccine).
Private flu vaccination
If you are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination but would like to stay protected against the flu, we offer a private flu service. Book your Private Flu Vaccination Palmers Pharmacy for only £19.99.
Why should I have a flu vaccine?
For many people, catching the flu can be very serious and potentially lead to hospitalisation or, in some cases, death. To protect yourself and those around you, you should get the vaccination every year. Having the flu jab:
- gives you the best protection against flu,
- protects you against this year’s strain of flu,
- usually means milder symptoms for those who have been vaccinated but catch the virus,
- helps protect you, your family and the most vulnerable in our communities,
- lowers your risk of developing serious complications for those who are at high risk of catching the virus.
How do I book a flu jab at Palmers Pharmacy?
With Palmers Pharmacy, it’s easy to book a flu vaccine, just follow the steps below:
Go to the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Confirm the type of flu vaccine you’d like to book; there are three NHS flu vaccination options:
A: 65+,
B: Pregnancy,
C: 18 to 64,
Fill in your details.
Your appointment will be booked for a date in October 2025.
For those booking a flu vaccination for family members, you can do so by following the same link, if you have their consent. You can then click yes when it asks you if the appointment is for someone else.
Need to change your appointment? Don’t worry, there will be a link in the email you can follow to amend your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Flu Vaccine work?
The flu vaccine gives the best protection against flu. Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses, although there's still a chance you might get flu. If you do get flu after vaccination, it's likely to be milder and not last as long. Having the flu vaccine will also stop you spreading flu to other people who may be more at risk of serious problems from flu.
It can take 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to work.
Does a Flu Jab hurt?
The word “jab” is not a very good description of what happens! We’re very gentle and often people don’t feel anything, or at worst its a sharp scratch. The needle of the vaccine is pushed gently into the Deltoid muscle of the upper arm as this ensures minimum adverse reactions and best effectiveness of the vaccine itself.
Can I have it free?
People with one (or more) long term health conditions.
This includes people with:
Adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more: Morbidly obese adults are at increased risk of complications if they catch influenza so annual vaccine is recommended.
If you have the flu, symptoms can present and develop very quickly. These symptoms can include:
- a sudden high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above,
- an aching body,
- feeling exhausted or tired,
- sore throat,
- dry cough,
- headache,
- trouble sleeping,
- loss of appetite,
- diarrhoea or stomach pain,
- feeling sick or vomiting.
If you are struggling with symptoms of the flu, the NHS recommends that you speak to your pharmacist, who will offer prevention advice and recommend flu remedies if required.
What’s in the flu jab?
In the UK, there are several different types of flu jabs meaning the ingredients can vary depending on which one you have. To see what ingredients are included in your flu vaccine, you can check the patient leaflet.
What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?
The most common side effects of this vaccine are mild and get better in around one to two days. These include:
- A slightly elevated temperature,
- Body aches,
- Pain or tenderness at the site of the infection.
More serious side effects can include a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) but this is very rare. Your pharmacist will be well equipped to deal with and treat any allergic reactions instantly.
Please note that the flu vaccinations used in the UK don’t contain any live flu viruses, so they can’t give you flu.
Who can’t get the flu vaccine?
Most people are able to have flu jabs, but there are some people who should avoid this type of vaccination. This includes those who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the jab. As some flu vaccines contain egg, you should also get advice from a GP or pharmacist if you have an egg allergy.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I’m feeling unwell?
If you are feeling very unwell with a fever or a high temperature, your pharmacist may postpone your appointment so you can book your flu vaccine for when you’re feeling better. However, if it’s a minor illness such as a cold without a fever, you should be able to have your vaccination. Get in touch with your pharmacist if you’re not sure.
Do I need a flu jab every year?
The changing flu strains means the previous year’s vaccine may not protect you against a different variant. Plus, over time, protection from the flu jab gradually decreases, so an annual pharmacy flu jab is essential for providing optimal protection.
Take a look at this article to find out more about how long flu jabs last.
How long does it take for the vaccine to take effect?
While getting a flu jab doesn’t guarantee that you won’t catch the flu, it does lower your risk and it means that if you do get the infection, it is likely to be milder and shorter lasting. It usually takes around two weeks before the vaccine fully takes effect.
Can children have the flu vaccine?
There is a children’s flu vaccine provided free on the NHS every year around autumn or early winter, this is offered to:
- children aged two or three,
- school-aged children (reception to year 11),
- children aged six months to 17 years who have certain long-term health conditions..
Children will normally have their flu vaccine either at school or their GP surgery.
When is the best time to get vaccinated?
The best time to have your flu vaccination is from autumn to early winter as this is when the virus is especially common. The majority of eligible adults will be able to get their flu vaccine from 3rd October 2025.
Where can I book my flu vaccine?
The pharmacy flu vaccine service is available at Palmers Pharmacy, we will start in the early autumn so simply book your appointment online and pop into our local pharmacy for your flu vaccine.
