Free NHS Flu Jab Service

At MediFast Delivery Pharmacy, we can offer the free NHS flu jab to adults aged 65 and over, or adults aged 18 and over who have certain medical conditions or who fall into other eligible NHS groups such as carers. This service is available between September and March every year.

If you’re aged 65 and over, with a medical condition or pregnant, catching the flu virus can be more serious and that’s why the NHS offer a free flu jab.

Why should I get the flu jab every year?

The best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones from catching and spreading the flu is to have the flu jab every year. Flu strains can change every year, which means last year’s flu jab may not be effective against this year’s strains. Over time, protection from the flu jab gradually decreases, so this is another reason to keep up to date and get your flu jab every year.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

There is no vaccine which is 100 percent effective but being vaccinated helps protect you against the strains of flu virus contained in the vaccination. This includes swine flu. After your jab, it usually takes around 14-21 days to be protected against flu.

Learn more about the vaccination

One of our pharmacists will inject the vaccine into your upper arm at your appointment. As with all medicines, there may be some side effects. The most common side effects include:

Redness, soreness or bruising at the injection site
A high temperature, sweating, shivering or feeling unwell
Headaches, fatigue or dizziness
Muscle and joint pain

If you experience any of these, don’t worry, they’re usually mild and should disappear on their own in a day or two.