During the height of the pandemic, Covid vaccinations were widely available through the NHS. Now, NHS Covid vaccines are primarily offered to adults aged 75 and over, people with weakened immune systems, or residents of care homes.
At Dears Pharmacy, we provide a private Covid vaccination service across Edinburgh and Fife, allowing you to receive your vaccine conveniently at a local pharmacy, regardless of NHS eligibility.
Availability of any prescription-only medicine is subject to a clinical assessment and at the discretion of the clinician. Supply is not guaranteed.
Who Can Book a Private Covid Vaccine?
Our private 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.
For added convenience, you can schedule a private Covid vaccine alongside a flu vaccine in a single appointment.
Available Covid Vaccines
Currently, we offer the following vaccines licensed for private use:
- Pfizer / BioNTech
As new vaccines gain approval for private use, they will be added to our service.
Why Choose a Private Covid Vaccine with Dears Pharmacy?
- Protect yourself even if you are not eligible for an NHS jab
- Administered locally by qualified healthcare professionals
- Maintain immunity and reduce the risk of severe illness
- Combine with an annual flu vaccination for comprehensive seasonal protection
If you are looking for a private Covid vaccine in Edinburgh or Fife, Dears Pharmacy provides a safe and straightforward way to stay protected.
Possible Side Effects
Like all vaccines, Covid vaccines may cause mild, temporary side effects while your body builds immunity. These can include:
- Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Fever or chills
- Muscle or joint aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- General feelings of being unwell
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Although very uncommon, rare side effects may include:
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Heart inflammation (myocarditis or pericarditis), mostly in males under 30 after mRNA vaccines
- Blood clotting disorders (thrombosis, mainly linked to AstraZeneca)
Novavax appears to have fewer side effects and a lower risk of heart issues than mRNA vaccines, although no vaccine is entirely risk-free. The benefits of vaccination in preventing severe illness, hospitalisation, and death far outweigh the risks of these rare complications.
Duration of Protection
Vaccine protection varies based on:
- Past Covid infection
- Previous vaccination history
- Circulating variants
- Individual immune response
Immunity may decrease over time, but booster doses can extend protection. In previous years, Covid vaccination programmes have involved one vaccination per season, with a potential booster if required.
Vaccination for Pre-Existing Conditions
Most people with pre-existing health conditions can safely receive a Covid vaccine. During your consultation, our pharmacist will review your medical history to confirm the vaccine is suitable for you.
Booking Your Private Covid Vaccine
To receive a private Covid vaccine at Dears Pharmacy in Edinburgh or Fife, contact us today.
You can also combine this with a flu vaccination appointment for protection during the winter season.
