Why get a flu jab?
The transmission of COVID-19 is thought to occur mainly through respiratory droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. The predominant modes of transmission are assumed to be droplet and contact. Those most at risk from flu are also those most at risk from COVID-19.
Given the current situation with COVID-19 it is very important that you consider having a flu vaccination. We can vaccinate you whether you are entitled to have it free of charge on the NHS (see below), or if you wish to pay for it privately.
For 2024-25, groups eligible for the NHS flu vaccination programme in our pharmacy include:
- people aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2025)
- people aged six months to less than 65 years in certain clinical risk groups:
- These clinical at risk groups include:
- Chronic respiratory disease such as asthma requiring regular inhaled steroids, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease or learning disability (where clinically vulnerable)
- Diabetes
- Immuno-suppression due to disease such as HIV/AIDS or treatment such as cancer treatment (as well as household contacts of at risk individuals).
- Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
- Morbidly obese adults (class III obesity) defined as those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above.
Other groups we can vaccinate on the NHS are:
- pregnant women
- people living in care homes or other long-stay care facilities
- carers
- close contacts of immune-compromised individuals
- Members of voluntary organisations providing planned emergency first aid
- Community First Responders Active members of a Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) Community First Responder scheme providing first aid directly to the public.
- Social care staff
- All staff employed in adult residential care homes, nursing care homes and children’s hospices or providing domiciliary care who are in regular contact with residents, are eligible through the community pharmacy
Stay healthy and protect your friends, family and work colleagues by getting vaccinated. Last year community pharmacies administered over 1 million flu jabs in the UK. One of our pharmacists will carry out a consultation to ensure that the flu jab is safe and appropriate for you. You may ask any questions that you might have about flu vaccinations during this consultation.
Private flu jab
Our pharmacy offers a private flu vaccination service. You will be able to protect yourself and your loved ones with the private flu jab services if you don’t qualify for the free NHS flu jab services.
(Please note we can vaccinate children against influenza via a private service, but are unable to vaccinate children on the NHS. Covid vaccinations are not available to purchase as a private service for any patient group).