The flu jab helps protect you and the people around you. At Wilsons we offer NHS and private flu vaccinations.

What vaccine will I get?

• Children aged 2 to 17 years are given the nasal spray (LAIV) as the first-line vaccine.
• If the nasal spray is not suitable (for example it is contraindicated, or a parent/carer does not want a vaccine containing porcine gelatine), we can give an injection instead.
• People aged 18 and over are given the injectable flu vaccine.

Who can have a free NHS flu vaccine? You may be eligible on the NHS if you are:

• Aged 65 or over (including anyone who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
• Aged 2 to 64 years with a qualifying long-term health condition
• Pregnant
• A care home or long-stay care facility resident
• A carer (receiving Carer’s Allowance, or the main carer of an older or disabled person)
• A household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed
• Experiencing homelessness (rough sleeping or staying in a homeless hostel/night shelter)
• A frontline health or social care worker (usually through your employer)

Eligibility can change each season. Check the NHS flu vaccine page or ask any Wilsons Pharmacy if you are unsure.

If you are not eligible on the NHS, you may still be able to have a private flu vaccination with us.

If you meet the NHS eligible criteria it’s free.
If not, we offer a private service which is £18.49.

Your appointment will take around 10 minutes.

The flu jab typically takes about two weeks to provide optimal protection.

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:

1. Initial immune response – Immediately after receiving the flu jab, your body begins to recognise and respond to the inactivated flu virus or viral particles in the vaccine.
2. Building immunity – Over the first week or two, your immune system starts building antibodies that are specifically designed to fight the flu virus. This is a crucial step indeveloping immunity.
3. Full protection – By the end of the two-week period, your body has developed the necessary defences to provide optimal protection against the flu virus.

It is important to note that during this initial period, you are still susceptible to the flu.

Yes, it is generally recommended to get the flu vaccine every year, and the main reasons for this are:

• Changing virus strains – The flu virus evolves and changes over time. Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to provide protection against the latest strains of the virus.
• Decreased immunity over time – The immunity provided by the flu vaccine diminishes over time. Receiving a flu jab each year helps to maintain optimal protection, especially during the peak flu season.
• Vaccine effectiveness – The flu vaccine is designed to stimulate an immune response, but its effectiveness can vary. Annual vaccination increases the likelihood of maintaining strong immunity and better protection against the flu.

If you have any concerns about receiving the flu jab annually or specific health conditions, it’s advisable to consult with your GP. Our pharmacy team is also available to address any questions you may have regarding flu vaccination. Your health and well-being are our priorities.

Negative side effects after receiving the flu jab are rare, but to reduce the risk you should let the pharmacy team know if you have had a reaction to a flu jab before or if you have a known allergy to eggs, as some vaccines contain eggs.

Like any vaccine the flu jab can cause side effects, but these are generally mild and short-lived.

Common side effects may include:

• A raised temperature
• Soreness where you were vaccinated
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Feeling tired

No, it’s not possible to catch the flu from the flu vaccine.

The vaccine contains inactive particles of the flu virus.

If you do get the flu after receiving your jab, it’s likely to be because the vaccination hasn’t become fully effective or you have picked up a different strain of the virus.