Seasonal Flu
What causes flu?
Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs. It's a highly infectious disease that occurs every year, usually in the winter.
The virus spreads in tiny droplets of saliva when an infected person coughs or sneezes and other people breath them in or touch a surface they have landed on.
The most common symptoms are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within 2 to 7 days, but for some the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.
Get protected with the flu vaccine
Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses.
It's still possible to catch flu after vaccination, but it's likely to be milder and not last as long.
It may also help to stop the spread of flu to others who could be more at risk of serious problems.
Vaccines must be updated annually because flu viruses are constantly changing meaning different strains circulate every year.
Before the season starts the strains that are most likely to cause illness are identified then the vaccines are made to match them as closely as possible.
Even if the vaccine doesn't perfectly match a strain, it usually provides some protection against it.
There are different vaccines available depending on your age.
People aged 65 and over will get a slightly different vaccine to those aged 18-64.
The flu vaccine is available for children and is usually offered through their school, community clinic, or GP surgery.
How to get vaccinated
All our pharmacies offer both the adult 18-64 and 65+ flu vaccines.
To begin, click on the button below, choose your nearest pharmacy, then answer a few easy questions.
How much will it cost?
The flu vaccine is provided for FREE on behalf of the NHS to people aged 65 and over or to anyone who has an increased risk from the effects of flu (see below).
If you don't qualify for a free vaccine, then your appointment will cost £18.
Who can get a free flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine to given free on the NHS to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those aged 65 by the 31st March 2025)
- are pregnant
- are living in a residential or nursing home
- are the main carer of an older or disabled person
- are living with someone who has lowered immunity due to disease or treatment
- are a frontline health or social care worker
- have a long-term health condition (see below)
What long-term health conditions are covered?
The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:
- heart problems (such as coronary heart disease or heart failure)
- respiratory conditions (bronchitis, emphysema or asthma if you need an inhaler or tablets)
- kidney disease
- weakened immune system due to disease or treatment
- liver disease
- had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack
- diabetes
- neurological conditions (such as MS or cerebral palsy)
- learning disability
- problem with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
- seriously overweight (BMI 40+)
Vaccine side effects
The flu vaccine is very safe, most side effects are mild and only last a day or so.
Common side effects include: a slightly raised temperature, muscle aches, and a sore arm where the needle went in.
Take basic painkillers, such as paracetamol, to help alleviate the side effects (some people, including those who are pregnant, should not ibuprofen after the injection - ask the pharmacist during your appointment for advice).