Flu jabs appointments now open
Book your flu vaccination from October at your nearest Rowlands Pharmacy today
If you're over the age of 65 and live in England or Wales
If you're between the ages of 18-64 and fall into any of the at risk categories*
Our private flu vaccinations are available to everyone 18 years and over at £21.99
Why get vaccinated against flu?
Flu is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person, especially in crowded areas including schools and nursing homes.
Symptoms usually start with a cough or a sneeze, resulting in the spread of tiny droplets containing the virus which can be breathed in by others, or it can land on surfaces that are touched. Even people with mild or no symptoms can infect others.
Protect yourself further with a COVID vaccination.
We offer both private and free NHS COVID vaccinations at a number of our pharmacies. Find out if you're eligible today.
What is flu?
Influenza, commonly known as flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system i.e. the nose, throat and the lungs. It is highly contagious, meaning it can spread easily from person to person. It can rapidly transmit in crowded areas including schools and nursing homes.
Symptoms usually start with a cough or a sneeze, resulting in the spread of tiny droplets containing the virus which can be breathed in by others, or it can land on surfaces that are touched. Even people with mild or no symptoms can infect others.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Symptoms can develop quite quickly and the following could be experienced:
- Sore throat
- Dry or chesty cough
- Muscle aches
- Sudden fever – temperature of 38°C or above
- Feeling tired/exhausted or have difficulty sleeping
- Headache, diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Have a loss of appetite, feel sick
- Children can also get pain in the ears and will appear less active
Am I eligible for a free NHS flu jab?
If you fall into any of the categories below, you may be eligible* for a FREE NHS flu jab:
- You’re over 65
- You are in one of the following ‘risk categories’:
- You're pregnant
- You have asthma or a lung condition
- You have chronic heart disease
- You have diabetes
- You have a chronic kidney or liver condition
- You've had a stroke
- You have an illness or are taking medicines that affect your immune system
* Eligibility will be confirmed following consultation with a healthcare professional.
** Subject to availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The most accessible way to get your flu vaccine is by booking an appointment at your local pharmacy. If vaccinations are not currently available but you want to plan ahead, you can join the waiting list once it is live. By joining the flu waiting list, you’ll be first in line to be notified when flu vaccines are available.
After getting vaccinated against the flu, it can take 10 to 14 days for it to take effect. After this, you will be protected for the duration of the year.
Flu is a virus that, like other organisms, is always evolving. Therefore old vaccinations become outdated. This is why it is a good idea to stay one step ahead and get your jab before flu season. That way you’ll be prepared and protected when flu declares war, and less likely to either get the flu or experience severe symptoms.
There aren’t usually any severe side effects of the flu vaccine. Common side effects include a red and sore/aching arm and aching muscles, plus flu-like symptoms such as a headache, fever and nausea.
Allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are rare, but if it does happen, you’ll experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing and wheezing a few minutes after getting the jab. Serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis are especially rare. You may be at risk of an allergic reaction if you have an egg allergy. Let your pharmacist know about this, and they may offer an egg-free or low-egg vaccine.
Side effects vary from person to person; some people may have nothing other than a slight ache in their arm, whilst others may experience flu-like symptoms, but nothing major. The side effects after a flu jab don’t usually last any more than a couple of days.
The flu jab itself is an effective medicine that safely protects you against the virus. However, there are also some things you can do beforehand to ensure that it is as effective as possible. Similar to how water helps your white blood cells attack the viruses, it also helps circulate the vaccination through your body to take effect. Drinking water both before and after the injection will help it reach the areas it’s needed the most.
One of the biggest debates out there is whether is safe or not for people who are pregnant to get a flu jab. Well, we can tell you that it absolutely is safe, in fact, it’s encouraged, for people who are pregnant to get their flu jab, to protect both them and their baby.
We totally get it - needles can be scary. But fear not, because there are ways to conquer this phobia and get that flu jab.
- Let your pharmacist know that you have a fear of needles. They’ll help to put you at ease and make you more comfortable.
- Don’t look at the needle or anything your pharmacist is doing. Close your eyes and picture anything to take your mind off what's going on.
- Find something in the room to count. Maybe the number of tiles on the floor or the pictures on the wall. It might sound silly, but it helps distract your mind from the whole needle situation.
- After you've faced your fears and got that flu jab, treat yourself!
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