You can get a flu jab from your local Well Pharmacy. Just book an appointment online here or in store. If you’re under 18, your legal guardian will need to book your appointment for you.
If you want a nasal vaccine or you have an egg allergy and want to make sure you have an egg-free vaccine, talk to your GP. They may be able to help you find a suitable option.
The flu jab is very safe. If you do experience side effects, they’re likely to be very mild and resolve quickly. Read more about flu side effects here.
Flu can be very serious and even deadly. Getting vaccinated helps protect you and is especially important if you’re at a higher risk of complications from flu. The flu vaccine also means that you’re less likely to spread flu to other people.
It’s fine to get the flu jab if you have a cold as long as you have mild symptoms. Having a cough, a runny nose or a sore throat shouldn’t stop you getting the vaccine.
But if you have a high temperature or think you may have the flu, it’s best to rebook your appointment. If you have the flu already, it can stop the vaccine from working properly. You may also spread the flu to other people at your appointment.
It’s usually safe to get a vaccine even if you’re on blood thinners. But you should let the person giving you the injection know as there’s always a chance you will bleed after the infection. If you’re on blood thinners, you may bleed or bruise after getting the vaccine more than average.
It’s completely safe to get the flu vaccine while you’re breastfeeding. Breastfeeding after getting the flu jab will not harm you or your baby.
Breastfeeding after getting vaccinated against flu can even help transfer antibodies to your baby, so it can keep you both healthy.
Drinking alcohol after getting the flu vaccine isn’t dangerous, and it shouldn’t make the jab less effective.
But there are other reasons it’s best not to drink alcohol after getting vaccinated against flu. It’s important to stay hydrated after the flu jab to help recover quickly from any side effects, and alcohol dehydrates you.
Drinking heavily is also bad for your immune system. So it’s best to avoid alcohol for a while until you’re fully recovered.