Getting your annual NHS flu vaccination can help to protect you and those around you from the unpleasant symptoms of the flu.
The annual free flu jab is the best way to protect yourself and your community against illness caused by the influenza virus.
At Bannerman’s Pharmacy, we offer an NHS Flu Vaccination service for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and a Private Flu Vaccination service for the wider community.
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Who Can Get the NHS Flu Vaccine?
Annual NHS-covered flu vaccinations are for a specific demographic of people. You can get the free NHS flu vaccination if you:
- Are aged 65 years or over
- Have certain long-term health conditions
- Are pregnant
- Live in a care home
- Are the main carer for someone who is elderly or disabled, or receive a carer’s allowance
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Meet one or more of the above criteria and are also 18 years or over (Pharmacy only, under 18s can get the vaccine from their GP surgery)
If you do not meet the above criteria but still want to protect yourself against the flu virus, you can learn more about our Private Flu Vaccination service.
Why Should I Get My Free Flu Vaccination?
The NHS flu vaccine is designed to protect you from the most common strains of the influenza virus which circulate each year, mainly during the winter months.
Even for people who are in good general health, contracting the flu can be uncomfortable at best, or develop into a more serious, long-term illness at worst. Getting your annual flu vaccination is the most effective way of keeping yourself and your loved ones protected against the most current strains of the flu virus.
Bannerman’s Pharmacy only uses vaccines which are in line with the recommendations from the Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Important: Some flu vaccines in the UK contain egg protein. Please let your pharmacist or GP know if you have an egg allergy prior to your vaccination appointment as egg-free vaccination options are available.
Do I Need to Book an NHS Vaccine Appointment?
No appointment is needed to get your flu vaccination at Bannerman’s Pharmacy, we operate a walk-in service for our NHS flu vaccine service. However, it is possible to book an appointment for yourself, or for someone you are caring for even if you are not getting the vaccine yourself.
Getting Your Free Flu Jab at Bannerman’s: What to Expect During and After
When you come in for your flu vaccination, the process is quick and straightforward.
One of our trained pharmacists will check your eligibility, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you’re comfortable before giving you the jab.
The vaccine itself is given as a small injection into the upper arm and the process only takes a few seconds.
After your jab, you may notice some mild effects as your body builds protection against the flu virus. These can include:
- A sore or tender arm where the injection was given
- A slight temperature
- Aching muscles or mild tiredness
These effects usually pass within a day or two and are nothing to worry about. They are simply signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
You cannot catch the flu from the jab, as the vaccine does not contain a live virus, but if you have any concerns after your vaccination, or if side effects last longer than a couple of days, you should speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Get Your Free Flu Vaccine Before Flu Season Arrives
Don’t wait until the flu season is in full swing and visit your local Bannerman’s branch today to get your annual flu vaccination and protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this winter. Walk-ins are welcome or you can get in touch to schedule your appointment.
