Flu Vaccination

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Flu Vaccination

Flu Vaccination

At Pearl Chemist Group

We know how important it is to protect not only you and your loved ones from seasonal viruses like the flu, but it’s also important to protect the community. Stopping the spread of illnesses is one of the most important services Pearl Chemist offers and staying fit and healthy is more important now than ever.

Flu vaccination is one of the best ways to keep you and the people around you from getting the flu. Getting the jab is safe, quick, and easy. You can reserve flu vaccines online for any of our conveniently located South London pharmacies.

It’s More than Just a Jab

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Why Get the Flu Jab?

The flu is more than just a cold. Even people who are young and fit can become seriously ill from the flu. For older people and those with long-term health conditions, the flu can be very dangerous. That’s why it is recommended that everyone aged 2 and older get the flu jab if they are safe to do so.

The flu is a respiratory virus that can last for weeks and can’t be treated with antibiotics. Most people who get it will feel better within a week or so without any problems, but others may develop more serious complications like pneumonia and cardiac conditions.

Flu Symptoms Tend to Come on Hard and Fast, Ranging from Mild to Severe.

Headaches
Blocked or Runny Nose
Aches and Pains
Fever
Chills
Sweats
Sore Throat
Dry Cough
Stomach Problems

You can get the flu any time of the year, but ‘flu season’ is typically during the colder months, especially between September and March. The best time to get vaccinated is early September, but getting it at any point in the year will give you up to 12 months of protection.

By getting the flu vaccine, you will not only be less likely to get the flu, but you’ll be less likely to spread it to more vulnerable people or to those unable to get the vaccine.

Benefits of the Flu Vaccine:

It protects you and the people around you against this season’s strain of the flu.
If you do get the flu, your symptoms won’t be as severe.
The jab will prevent you from becoming seriously ill if you get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

Free Flu Jabs

In some circumstances, if you are in England you might be able to get the flu vaccine free of charge through the NHS at selected pharmacies. You don’t need a GP referral, simply contact your local pharmacy to arrange your free flu jab and bring along proof of eligibility.

You May be Eligible for a Free NHS Flu Vaccine if You:

Are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
Have certain health conditions
Are pregnant
Are in long-stay residential care
Receive a carer’s allowance
Are a carer for someone older, disabled, or at risk

How to Protect Yourself and Others?

Reserve an appointment with one of our vaccine specialists.

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Can I Get Private Flu Vaccination Near Me?

If you aren’t eligible for free flu vaccination in the UK through the NHS, you can easily reserve a private appointment with Pearl Chemist. With 20 different locations in South London to choose from, you’ll always be able to find a time and location to fit into your busy schedule.

Our knowledgeable, compassionate, and highly trained pharmacists provide all vaccination services in a safe and hygienic setting. On top of this, enhanced measures are in place to keep you safe during the current coronavirus pandemic. These measures include wearing PPE, cleaning the examination room before and after each appointment, and limiting close contact.

You don’t need to be knocked down by the flu. Get peace of mind for you and your family by reserving the flu jab online at Pearl Chemist. You can also contact us directly to arrange a quick and convenient appointment. Our friendly team is ready to answer all your questions and to help keep you healthy. Get your flu jab today at one of our Pearl Chemist locations such as Clapham Junction, Mitcham, and Tooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flu?

Flu is a shortened name for influenza which is a virus that spreads throughout the population seasonally. Flu is contracted through coming into close contact with a person who is infected and can be spread through droplets of saliva when a person coughs, sneezes or talks. Flu is a virus that mutates or changes each year, but it is generally characterised by:

Fever
Body aches or pains
Sore throat
Cough
Headache
Sleep disruptionv
Loss of appetite
Upset tummy or diarrhoea
Feeling or being sick

Receiving a flu vaccination can help lessen the severity of the symptoms you experience if you do develop flu and as well as lessen the duration of the illness.

How do I know if I can have the flu jab?

If you are someone looking to be vaccinated against flu you in London can receive the flu jab from our pharmacy either privately or on the NHS. Those who qualify for free flu jab administration should consult the NHS website for current information on eligibility but should note that vaccination on the NHS is generally reserved for:

Those over 50 years of age
Care Home residents
Pregnant women
Carers for the elderly or disabled
Those with certain health conditions
Those living with an immunocompromised person
Frontline health or social care workers

For current information on your eligibility or to find out where you can receive your vaccination, you can also contact any Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

Flu is considered a seasonal illness because there are peak times of year when the virus is more likely to spread. Though you can develop flu at any time of year the most common times to contract the virus are between December and May. It is for this reason Pearl Chemist Group offers the flu jab leading up to peak season from September until March each year. The best way to avoid developing severe and prolonged flu symptoms and exposing vulnerable people to health complications caused by flu is by receiving the flu jab when it is offered.

Should I get vaccinated against winter flu every year?

Flu symptoms can be uncomfortable at the very least to debilitating and dangerous for some. Flu vaccination can protect you, your loved ones, and vulnerable people from contracting the influenza virus that is known to spread each winter. Influenza is a virus that constantly evolves so the flu jab you receive in a previous year may not protect you from the current strain of the circulating virus. Flu jabs are tailored each year to defend against strains that have been identified in current circulation, so booking in to receive yours each winter is important to ensure you are adequately protected. If you live in London you can book your flu vaccine with Pearl Chemist Group.

What are the side effects of the flu vaccination?

Adverse effects to receiving the flu jab are rare, but to avoid any risk you should advise the administering pharmacist if you have had a reaction to any flu jab previously or if you have a known egg allergy, as some vaccines may contain egg. Some people who receive the flu jab way feel slightly unwell afterward with symptoms mimicking those of the actual virus. This is a common occurrence that indicates your immune system is working on strengthening your defences and any side effects should resolve in a matter of days.

Should I still get my flu jab if I’m feeling unwell?

If you are feeling unwell, it is not recommended that you receive a seasonal flu jab. Unwellness is temporary indication that your body may be fighting off another illness so booking in to receive your flu jab is best considered when you have fully recovered. The NHS advises that anyone with a fever should avoid receiving the flu jab. Because the flu jab is offered 6 months out of the year at all Pearl Chemist Group locations, there is plenty opportunity for you to complete your appointment when your body is better equipped.