Private Flu Vaccinations at Right Medicine Pharmacy
Flu can cause more than a few days of mild cold symptoms. It can leave you feeling seriously unwell and may lead to complications, particularly for older people, pregnant women and those living with certain long-term health conditions.
Right Medicine Pharmacy offers private flu vaccinations for £25 at participating pharmacies. The service provides a convenient option for people who want to protect themselves during flu season but are not eligible for an NHS vaccination or would prefer to arrange a private appointment.
One of our trained pharmacists will complete a short consultation to make sure the vaccine is suitable for you. If you can safely receive it, the vaccination will normally be administered during the same appointment.
Why Consider a Flu Vaccination?
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It can spread through coughs, sneezes and contact with contaminated hands or surfaces.
Flu symptoms often develop quickly and may include:
- A sudden high temperature
- Body aches and muscle pain
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced appetite
Although many people recover without specialist treatment, flu can sometimes cause complications such as pneumonia or make an existing health condition worse.
Vaccination cannot guarantee that you will avoid flu completely. However, it can reduce your likelihood of becoming infected and may lower the risk of serious illness if you do catch flu.
Who Is the Private Flu Service For?
The private service may be suitable if you would like a seasonal flu vaccination but do not qualify for the free NHS programme. It may also be useful if you want to arrange protection conveniently before flu begins circulating more widely.
You might consider a private vaccination if you:
- Are not included in the current NHS eligibility groups
- Work closely with colleagues, customers or members of the public
- Regularly spend time with older or medically vulnerable relatives
- Live, work or study in a shared environment
- Want to reduce the chance of flu disrupting work, study or travel
- Would prefer to arrange your vaccination through a local pharmacy
Right Medicine Pharmacy has not stated a universal minimum age for this private service. Suitability can depend on the vaccine available at the pharmacy, your age and your medical circumstances. Please contact the team before booking for a child or young person.
What Happens at Your Appointment?
The pharmacist will begin by asking questions about your health and vaccination history. This helps them determine whether the available flu vaccine is appropriate for you.
The consultation may include questions about:
- Your age and general health
- Any allergies or previous serious allergic reactions
- Reactions to earlier vaccinations
- Medicines you currently use
- Conditions that affect your immune system
- Whether you are currently unwell or have a high temperature
- Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Any vaccination you have recently received
If vaccination is suitable, the pharmacist will explain what to expect and administer the vaccine. You may be asked to remain in the pharmacy briefly afterwards in accordance with the pharmacist’s clinical assessment and the product guidance.
If you are currently very unwell or have a high temperature, your appointment may need to be rearranged. A minor illness without a fever will not always prevent vaccination, but the pharmacist will make the final decision.
Is the Private Flu Vaccine Different From the NHS Service?
The key difference is how the vaccination is funded and accessed. Scotland’s NHS flu programme offers free vaccination to eligible groups identified for the current season. Eligibility can change, so check the latest guidance before paying for a private appointment.
Current information about eligibility, vaccine safety and Scotland’s seasonal programme is available from the NHS Inform flu vaccine service.
If you are entitled to an NHS vaccination, you should follow the instructions provided by NHS Scotland. The £25 Right Medicine Pharmacy service is a separate private option and does not affect your entitlement to NHS healthcare.
When Should You Have the Flu Vaccine?
Flu vaccination is normally offered ahead of and during the period when seasonal flu is expected to circulate. It is generally best to receive the vaccine before flu activity becomes widespread, but vaccination later in the season may still be worthwhile while the virus continues to circulate.
Protection does not develop immediately. Your immune system needs time to respond following vaccination, so avoid waiting until an outbreak begins if you already know that you want to be vaccinated.
The flu vaccine is updated to provide protection against the strains expected to circulate during the relevant season. This is why flu vaccination is generally offered each year rather than as a one-off vaccination.
Possible Side Effects
Most side effects are mild and improve within a few days. Depending on the vaccine used, you may experience:
- Soreness, tenderness or swelling where the injection was given
- A mild temperature
- A headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
The injected flu vaccine cannot give you flu. Some people develop mild symptoms as their immune system responds, while others may coincidentally become unwell with a different respiratory infection around the time of vaccination.
Serious allergic reactions are rare, but the pharmacy team is trained to recognise and respond to them. Seek urgent medical assistance if you develop difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, widespread hives or another severe reaction after leaving the pharmacy.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Wear clothing that allows the pharmacist to reach your upper arm easily. Bring details of any relevant medical conditions, allergies and current medicines if you are unsure what information the pharmacy already holds.
Tell the pharmacist if you have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or one of its ingredients. If you are uncertain whether vaccination is suitable, contact the Right Medicine Pharmacy team before making your booking.
If you need advice about a current illness rather than preventative vaccination, visit our Health Advice page or speak directly to a pharmacist.
Price and Booking Terms
The private flu vaccination service costs £25.
A £25 non-refundable payment is required to secure your appointment. This payment will be deducted from the total cost of the service on the day.
If you need to change your appointment, the pharmacy can reschedule it when at least 24 hours’ notice is provided. If the pharmacist decides after the consultation that vaccination is unsuitable or cannot be administered, the £25 payment will be retained as a consultation fee and will not be refunded.
Appointments and vaccine supplies are seasonal and may vary between branches. Check availability at your preferred pharmacy before travelling.
Prepare for Flu Season With Right Medicine Pharmacy
Arrangeing your vaccination before flu becomes widespread gives your immune system time to respond and can help protect the people with whom you live, work and socialise.
Reserve your private flu vaccination for £25, subject to stock and the pharmacist’s suitability assessment. You can also find your nearest Right Medicine Pharmacy or contact the team to confirm whether the service is currently available at your preferred branch.