Alton Pharmacy Flu Vaccination - Alton, Hampshire

Protect Yourself This Winter With the Alton Pharmacy Flu Vaccination Service

Every winter, seasonal flu circulates widely across the UK, and for many people in our community it means little more than a few uncomfortable days at home. For others, however, catching flu can lead to serious illness, time in hospital and a long recovery. The Alton Pharmacy flu vaccination service makes it quick and convenient to get the protection you need, close to home on the High Street in Alton, without the wait for a GP appointment.

The flu vaccine is updated each year to match the strains of influenza that are expected to be most common during the coming season. That is why an annual flu jab is recommended rather than a one-off vaccination. Having your jab early, ideally in the autumn before flu begins to spread, gives your immune system time to build up protection before the busiest weeks of winter arrive.

Why the winter flu is more than just a bad cold

Influenza is caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Although the symptoms can overlap with those of a heavy cold, flu tends to come on suddenly and leave people feeling far more unwell. A high temperature, aching muscles, exhaustion, headache and a dry cough are all typical, and these symptoms can keep you off work or away from school for a week or more.

For people who are otherwise fit and healthy, flu is usually unpleasant but not dangerous. The real concern is the way flu can trigger complications in people who are more vulnerable. Secondary chest infections such as pneumonia, worsening of existing heart or lung conditions, and dehydration are all genuine risks. This is why a simple, free or low-cost vaccination is one of the most worthwhile steps you can take to look after your health each winter.

Who should consider a flu vaccination?

Flu can be more severe in certain groups of people, and a vaccination is particularly important if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Adults aged 50 years and over
• Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
• Anyone with a long-term health condition such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, or diabetes
• People with a weakened immune system, whether due to illness or to treatments such as chemotherapy
• Anyone living in a long-stay residential or nursing home
• Carers, and people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Young children, who can pick up and pass on flu very easily

Even if you are fit and well and do not fall into one of these groups, you may still choose to be vaccinated. Having the jab not only reduces your own chance of a miserable bout of flu, it also helps to stop the virus spreading to friends, family members and colleagues who may be more at risk than you are.

NHS and private flu jabs at Alton Pharmacy

Alton Pharmacy is part of the Imaan Healthcare group of community pharmacies, and our team is experienced in delivering seasonal flu vaccinations to local residents. We are able to offer NHS funded flu jabs to those who are eligible, as well as private flu vaccinations for anyone who would simply like the reassurance of being protected.

If you qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination, there is no charge and no need for a referral from your GP. If you are not eligible under the NHS scheme, a private flu jab is an affordable option and can be arranged at a time that suits you. Our pharmacist will be happy to talk you through which option applies to you and to answer any questions before you decide.

Am I eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?

Eligibility for the free NHS flu vaccine is reviewed each year and depends on your age, your health and your personal circumstances. Because the criteria can change from one season to the next, we have set out the current details on a dedicated page. To check whether you qualify, please visit our flu vaccination eligibility page, where you will find an up-to-date guide to the groups covered by the NHS programme. If you are still unsure after reading it, our team will gladly help you work out whether your jab will be free of charge.

What happens when you come in for your flu jab

Having your flu vaccination at Alton Pharmacy is a simple and quick process. There is no need for a lengthy appointment. When you arrive, a member of our team will ask you a few short questions about your health and any allergies, and confirm that the vaccine is suitable for you. The injection itself takes only a moment and is given into the upper arm.

Most people are able to carry on with the rest of their day straight afterwards. You may notice some mild tenderness where the needle went in, and occasionally a slightly raised temperature or aching muscles for a day or so. These minor effects are a normal sign that your immune system is responding, and they soon settle on their own.

How long does protection last?

The flu vaccine provides protection for the duration of the current flu season. Because the circulating strains of the virus change over time and the level of protection gradually fades, anyone eligible for a flu jab should have a fresh vaccination every year. It usually takes around ten to fourteen days after your jab for your immune system to respond fully, which is another good reason to book your vaccination early in the season rather than waiting until flu is already widespread.

Staying well through the flu season

Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself against flu, but good everyday habits also help to keep the virus at bay. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with people who are unwell all reduce the chance of infection. If you do come down with flu, resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids will help you recover and will also limit the risk of passing it on to others.

Book your Alton flu vaccination today

There is no need to wait for winter to arrive before thinking about your flu jab. The earlier you are vaccinated, the sooner you are protected. To arrange your flu vaccination, call into the pharmacy at 68 High Street, Alton, telephone us on 01420 83176, or get in touch using the contact details on this page and a member of the team will be glad to help. Looking after our local community is at the heart of what we do at Alton Pharmacy, and a quick flu jab is one of the easiest ways to help you and your family stay well this winter.