COVID VACCINATIONS
I NEED TO BOOK A PRIVATE COVID VACCINATION
I NEED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COVID
PROTECT AGAINST COVID THIS WINTER
Covid can make you feel seriously unwell and, for some people, can lead to complications that require medical treatment.
Having a covid vaccination each year can help reduce your risk of becoming ill and can also lessen the severity of infection if you do catch covid. Dears Pharmacy provides private covid vaccinations across selected locations. You can book below at our locations across Lothian, Fife, Glasgow and Tayside in a few minutes. Availability of any prescription-only medicine is subject to a clinical assessment and at the discretion of the clinician. Supply is not guaranteed.
BOOK A PRIVATE COVID VACCINATION
WHO CAN BOOK A PRIVATE COVID VACCINATION?
Our private covid vaccination service is open to anyone aged 12 and above. Before vaccination, one of our trained healthcare professionals will carry out a face-to-face consultation to ensure the vaccine is safe and appropriate for you.
You can also choose to have a covid vaccination with a flu vaccination or a flu and a pneumonia vaccination in a single appointment.
Available Covid VaccinATIONS
COVID-19 vaccines are updated over time to provide protection against changing strains of the virus. The vaccines available through our private service will change as updated versions become available.
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
Currently available through our private COVID-19 vaccination service.
Moderna Spikevax XFG
We expect the updated Moderna Spikevax XFG vaccine to become available during October 2026. This is an updated COVID-19 vaccine designed for the XFG strain of the virus and will be offered as a single-dose vaccination for eligible patients.
Exact availability will be confirmed once supplies arrive. All vaccinations are subject to a consultation to make sure they are clinically appropriate for you.
COVID VaccinatioN
Our private COVID-19 vaccination provides protection against COVID-19 and helps reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell if you become infected.
COVID-19 vaccines are updated as the virus changes over time. Vaccination provides particularly important protection against severe illness and hospitalisation, although the level of protection can reduce over time.
A private COVID-19 vaccination can be a good option if you are not eligible for an NHS vaccination, want to arrange your vaccination at a convenient time, or would simply like additional protection against COVID-19. Your healthcare professional will check that the vaccination is suitable for you before it is given and can answer any questions you may have.
COVID AND FLU Vaccination
You can choose to receive private COVID-19 and flu vaccinations during the same appointment, where both vaccinations are clinically appropriate for you.
COVID-19 and flu are different respiratory infections and require different vaccines. Receiving both vaccinations at the same visit provides a convenient way to increase your protection against both illnesses.
Our healthcare professional will check that both vaccinations are suitable for you before they are given.
Covid, FLU and PNEUMONIA Vaccination
You can also book a private COVID-19 vaccination together with flu and pneumococcal vaccinations during the same appointment, where clinically appropriate.
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against serious illness caused by COVID-19, while the flu vaccine protects against influenza. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause serious infections including pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
Receiving all three vaccinations during one appointment can be a convenient way to strengthen your protection against several important respiratory infections.
Our healthcare professional will check your vaccination history and make sure each vaccination is suitable for you before proceeding.
Why Choose a Private Covid Vaccine with Dears Pharmacy?
- Protect yourself even if you are not eligible for an NHS jab.
- Administered close to home by qualified healthcare professionals.
- Maintain immunity and reduce the risk of severe illness.
- Combine with an annual flu vaccination or a flu vaccination and pneumonia vaccination for comprehensive seasonal protection.
ABOUT COVID VACCINATIONS
WHAT IS COVID?
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and particles released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms can include a high temperature, cough, sore throat, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and changes to your sense of taste or smell. Most people recover without treatment, but COVID-19 can cause more serious illness in some people and may lead to complications or longer-lasting symptoms.
Why have a covid vaccination?
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk from covid. The viruses responsible for covid can change over time, which is why covid vaccines are reviewed and offered each year.
Vaccination can:
- reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill with covid.
- reduce the severity of illness if you do become infected.
- help protect people who are particularly vulnerable to complications from covid.
- reduce the likelihood of covid disrupting your work, family life and other commitments
It usually takes around two weeks after vaccination for your immune response to develop, so it is useful to be vaccinated before covid begins circulating widely.
COVID SUPPORT TIPS
- Stay up to date with vaccination — vaccination helps reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
- Stay home if you’re unwell — especially if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough for normal activities.
- Let fresh air in — good ventilation can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses indoors.
- Practise good hygiene — wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes to help limit transmission.
COVID FAQs
Who can book a private Covid vaccine?
Anyone aged 12 years or older can schedule a private Covid vaccination at Dears Pharmacy across Edinburgh and Fife.
Which vaccines are available?
We currently offer Pfizer and Moderna Spikevax vaccines. Additional vaccines will be added as they become licensed for private use.
How should I prepare?
No special preparation is needed. Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm and eat and drink normally beforehand.
Can I get a private Covid vaccine if I already received the NHS vaccine?
Yes. Even if you have had NHS Covid vaccines, you can receive a private booster to help maintain immunity, especially against new variants.
How long does protection last?
Duration depends on prior infection, vaccination history, and circulating variants. Booster doses are recommended to prolong protection. Speak to your pharmacist for specific guidance
Are there side effects?
Side effects are usually mild, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, or mild fever. Serious reactions are extremely rare.
Can I receive the vaccine with existing health conditions or medications?
Yes, in many cases, our pharmacist will review your medical history during your consultation to ensure the vaccine is safe.
Where can I get a private Covid vaccine near me?
Dears Pharmacy offers convenient private Covid vaccinations in Edinburgh and Fife. Book online or visit us in person to arrange your appointment.
Is it worth it if I’m healthy?
Yes. Vaccination reduces your risk of infection, limits transmission, and helps prevent disruption from illness, even if you are generally healthy.
How soon after recovering from Covid can I get vaccinated?
It is recommended to wait until you have fully recovered. Most people can safely receive a vaccine around four weeks after infection, but your pharmacist will advise based on your situation.
I NEED A FLU VACCINATION
I NEED A PNEUMONIA VACCINATION
I NEED AN RSV VACCINATION
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