Protect yourself against flu this winter
The Flu virus is spread through particles in the air distributed by infected coughs and sneezes. We offer private and NHS flu vaccinations to help.
Understanding flu
Flu is a virus which means that antibiotics are ineffective. Therefore, people suffering from flu will need time to recover and let the body fight off the virus. The Flu virus is spread through particles in the air distributed by infected coughs and sneezes. Since we all breath the air, it is a perfect vehicle for spreading the virus. The virus can also spread through contact, for example touching door handles or surfaces where the virus has been left by an infected person. Therefore, hand hygiene is so important in fighting the flu virus.
Symptoms of flu are more severe than a cold but tend to improve significantly within seven days, you may find that you feel tired for a while after an episode of the flu.
Fever – Headache – Tiredness – Muscle aches – Sore throat – Nasal congestion – Stomach pain and digestive problems such as diarrhoea – Weakness – Difficulty sleeping – Loss of appetite – Shivering – Cough – Nausea – Vomiting.
Scroll down for more details.
Free NHS flu vaccinations
For eligible people this winter
- The Health Boards haven’t confirmed the details of how the NHS Flu vaccination programme will run this winter just yet.
- When they do we’ll let you know that you can book an appointment.
- If you are eligible (see the list below on this page) go ahead and register for updates.
Private vaccinations
Paid or employer funded
- Self-funded private vaccinations are available to all who need them
- We also support employer funded private vaccinations
- Just to be clear, the vaccination is the same, it’s just the way the payment is made that is different
- You can book either kind online direct with us using our quick, easy calendar
The key details
Why use Dears Pharmacy?
Trust the experts. Dears Pharmacy is a well-established group of pharmacies in Edinburgh & Fife. We will provide you with pharmacists who are highly skilled in vaccine administration. Our pharmacists will advise each person individually about the flu vaccine and any adverse effects that they may need to look out for. Everyone will be supplied with an information leaflet.
Which jab do we offer?
Dears Pharmacy is offering the quadrivalent flu jab, which protects against the four most common strains of the flu this flu season.
It is given as an injection, usually in the upper arm.
Why get the flu jab?
The flu jab helps prevent you’re getting the flu and having to experience symptoms or take time to recover – it reduces your risk of getting the flu. Although the flu jab does not prevent 100% of all flu cases, people who have been vaccinated and who catch a strain of the flu they are vaccinated against tend to have less severe symptoms which usually improve within a shorter period of time.
The flu can cause serious complications in children, the elderly, those with a weakened immune system and pregnant women. For these groups, the flu jab offers protection not only from the flu but helps to reduce the risk of more serious illness and the secondary complications of flu, like pneumonia.
What happens when you do get the flu?
The flu is a common viral infection which spreads by little droplets, usually by coughs and sneezes. It is particularly common during the winter months and causes unpleasant symptoms, like fever/chills, tiredness and muscle aches which can last for days. Although the symptoms tend to clear within a week in people who are otherwise healthy, it can cause serious complications in pregnant women, elderly patients, young children and people with an impaired immune system.
What happens if I get the flu jab?
You won’t get the flu itself, but you can get some of the symptoms – the flu jab is not a live vaccine, which means you cannot get the flu from the flu jab. However, the flu jab may cause flu-like symptoms as a side effect. The side effects of the flu jab tend to be mild and they usually pass within days. If you get an injection, the injection site may be red and sore for a few days after you have received your vaccine. Your nurse or pharmacist will also give more information about potential side effects.
When will it start working?
It can take up to 14 days for your immunity to develop after getting the flu jab. This is why it’s always best to get vaccinated early in the season to minimise your chance of catching it before you develop immunity.
How often do you need to get the flu jab?
You need to get vaccinated every year in order to stay protected – the flu virus is constantly changing, and the vaccine is formulated every year to remain effective against the most common strands of the flu.
When should I start thinking about getting the jab?
The best time to get the vaccine is before the beginning of the flu season, but you can also get it later in winter.
Should I get the jab if I’ve already had the flu this year?
It is advisable as there is more than 1 strain of flu virus in circulation every year and can still get reduce your chance of getting other strains even if you’ve already gotten over 1 infection.
Cost
For eligible people NHS flu vaccinations are free.
Our private vaccination costs from £16.00 and is available with no appointment necessary following a short consultation with our pharmacist.
If you have a voucher from your employer this cost will be covered.
Eligibility for free NHS vaccinations
All those aged 50 years of age and over
Those over 6 months of age with a medical condition which puts them in an ‘at risk’ group such as asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, heart and lung diseases, or autoimmune disorders.
Healthcare workers
Social care workers who deliver direct personal care
Unpaid and young carers
Pregnant women (including those with at risk conditions)
Children aged 2-5 years old (not yet at school)
Primary school children
Decondary school pupils
NHS independent contractors including GP, dental and optometry practices, community pharmacists and laboratory staff working on COVID-19 testing
Teachers, nursery teachers and support staff in close contact with pupils (in both a local authority and independent setting)
Prison staff and support staff in close contact with the prison population (delivering direct detention services)
Those in the prison population
Vaccinations for all who need them, three options for protection
There are a number of ways we can help you, designed to fit you and those you care for…
1
Free NHS flu vaccinations
2
Employer funded vouchers
3
Private self-paid vaccinations
Get in touch, get protected
Book online in seconds or drop us a e-mail to discuss and you are on your way to getting ahead of flu this winter gaining peace of mind…
