Although flu can be more dangerous among vulnerable people, you should make sure you’re protected every year, even if you’re fit and healthy.

How can I prevent the flu?

The flu vaccine is the most effective way of preventing seasonal flu and passing it on to family and friends. But there are some other simple steps you can take such as washing your hands and surfaces regularly, or using a tissue when you sneeze and cough.

How does the flu jab service work?

Well, the good news is that it's quick and easy. For starters, no appointment is necessary.

Did you know our pharmacists are able to give you the flu vaccine? If you want to protect yourself from the flu, pop into your nearest Well pharmacy and speak to your pharmacist. It’s quick, easy, and you don’t need to make an appointment.

To be eligible to have the vaccination, you must:

•Be over 12 years old (there are however options for children over the age of 2)

•Not have had the seasonal flu vaccination in the last six months

However, if you have an allergy to chicken or eggs, you're already feeling ill or have reacted badly to the flu vaccine before, your pharmacist may not be comfortable giving you the vaccination (they will still be able to help you find other ways to raise your shields against the flu).

For children over 2 years old, we also offer a nasal spray as a method of flu vaccination. This costs £23, but is routinely offered by the NHS to children with health conditions at their GP practice.

Nasal spray vaccines are now available, but we recommend calling your pharmacy beforehand to make sure they're in stock.

Can the jab give me flu?

In a word, no. The vaccine contains an inactive form of the virus which your immune system recognises and creates antibodies to fight against flu. It takes around 10-14 days for your body to become immune to the flu, so getting the jab at the start of the season decreases your risk of falling ill.

Who is eligible for the free flu jab?

You may be eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS if you are over 18 and meet any of the following criteria:

•Are over 65

•Are pregnant

•Have diabetes or asthma

•Have lung, heart, kidney or liver disease

•Have a weakened immune system

Eligibility for the free flu jab varies between countries and localities. Speak to one of our pharmacists who will be able to advise if you are eligible.

Under 18s may also be eligible for a flu jab or flu nasal spray if they fall into an at-risk category. Our pharmacists are trained to give flu jabs to children and adults aged 2 years and above, or vaccines via a nasal spray to those aged 2 to 18 years.

What if I’m not eligible?

You can still protect yourself from flu with our private flu jab service. Getting a private flu jab through Pharmacy 24 is only £10, and is available without making an appointment. Nearly all of our pharmacies have private consultation rooms where a fully trained pharmacist can give you your flu jab.