Protect yourself from the winter flu
Do you want to protect yourself from the winter flu?
Flu viruses can change each winter, so an annual flu vaccination can help to protect you.
You may be eligible for a free NHS vaccination if you are:
- Pregnant
- Aged 65 years and over (including if you are 65 by 31 March 2024)
- Suffering from any of the chronic illnesses listed below:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
- diabetes
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
- some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you've had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- Living in a long stay residential care home
- A main carer for the elderly or disabled
***Please note, if you are aged between 50 and 64 with no chronic illnesses or other eligibility criteria as listed above, you do not qualify for an NHS vaccine this year as this cohort has been removed from the eligibility criteria by the NHS. You can still get a private flu vaccination as detailed below***
If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccination, most people can still receive a flu jab through our private service. Each vaccine is priced at £14.99.
Benefits of the service
Convenient: Get a flu jab at a time and place that works for you
Professional: Our pharmacies have private consultation rooms and fully trained staff
Flexible: Book your appointment online today or contact your nearest Cohens Pharmacy
Flu vaccine and coronavirus
Flu vaccination is important because:
- if you're at higher risk from coronavirus, you're also more at risk of problems from flu
- if you get flu and coronavirus at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill
- it'll help to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with coronavirus
If you've had COVID-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It'll be effective at helping to prevent flu.