Flu Vaccination 2021 - Alton Pharmacy, Hampshire
Flu Vaccination at Alton Pharmacy
Each autumn and winter, influenza — commonly called flu — circulates widely across the UK. For many people flu is an unpleasant illness that clears up on its own, but for others it can be serious and even lead to hospital admission. Having a flu vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and the people around you, and it is quick, safe and convenient to have your jab at Alton Pharmacy on the High Street.
Our pharmacists are trained and accredited to deliver the seasonal flu vaccine, and we run our flu vaccination service throughout the flu season, which typically begins in September and continues through the autumn into the winter months. You do not need an appointment with your GP — you can be vaccinated by our team in a private consultation room here at the pharmacy.
Why the flu vaccine matters
Flu is caused by influenza viruses that change from year to year. Because the viruses change, a new vaccine is produced for each flu season to give the best possible protection against the strains expected to be circulating. This is why the flu jab is offered every year rather than as a one-off.
For most healthy adults flu means a few days of fever, aching muscles, a cough, sore throat and exhaustion. However, for people in certain groups flu can be far more dangerous, leading to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, worsening of existing long-term illness, and serious infection that requires hospital treatment. Being vaccinated greatly reduces your chance of catching flu, and if you do still catch it, your symptoms are likely to be milder.
Who should have a flu vaccination?
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce their risk of catching or spreading flu. It is particularly important for people who are more likely to become seriously unwell. You should strongly consider being vaccinated this season if you fall into any of the following groups:
- Adults aged 65 and over.
- People with a long-term health condition such as asthma or another respiratory disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, or a neurological condition.
- People with a weakened immune system, whether because of illness or because of treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medication.
- Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy.
- People living in a residential or nursing home.
- Carers, and anyone who is the main carer for an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
- People who live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system.
- Frontline health and social care workers.
NHS-funded and private flu vaccinations
There are two ways to have your flu jab at Alton Pharmacy: a free NHS flu vaccination if you are eligible, or a private flu vaccination if you would simply like the protection but do not fall into an eligible group.
Free NHS flu vaccination
If you are in one of the groups eligible for the NHS flu programme — for example you are aged 65 or over, are pregnant, have a qualifying long-term health condition, or are a carer — you can have your flu vaccination free of charge through the NHS at our pharmacy. You do not need to see your GP first. Just bring a few details with you and our pharmacist will confirm your eligibility and administer the vaccine. The NHS flu vaccination service at community pharmacies is there to make it as easy as possible for eligible patients to be protected.
Private flu vaccination
If you are not eligible for a free NHS flu jab but would still like to be protected — perhaps because you do not want to risk being unwell during a busy time at work, you are travelling, or you simply want the reassurance — you can choose a private flu vaccination at Alton Pharmacy. The private service uses the same quality of vaccine and is given by the same trained pharmacists. Please ask our team for the current price and availability for this season.
How to book your flu jab
Booking your flu vaccination with us is simple. You can call in to the pharmacy at 68 High Street and speak to a member of our team, telephone us on 01420 83176, or use the book an appointment page on our website to arrange a convenient time. Many patients prefer to book a slot so there is no waiting, although we will always do our best to vaccinate you while you wait if the pharmacy is not too busy.
It is best to have your flu jab in the autumn, before flu starts to circulate widely, so that you are protected when the season peaks. However, it is still worthwhile being vaccinated later in the season if you have not yet had the chance — protection is always better than none.
What to expect when you come for your vaccination
The flu vaccination itself takes only a few minutes. When you arrive, our pharmacist will ask you a short series of questions about your health and any medication you take, to confirm that the vaccine is suitable for you and to identify the small number of people for whom a different approach is needed. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
The vaccine for adults is given as an injection into the upper arm. Please wear clothing that allows easy access to the top of your arm. After the injection we will ask you to wait briefly in the pharmacy so we can be sure you feel well before you leave.
Possible side effects
The flu vaccine has a very good safety record. Most people have no trouble at all, but some experience mild side effects for a day or two afterwards. These can include a slightly sore arm where the injection was given, a mild temperature, and aching muscles. These reactions are normal, are usually short-lived, and are a sign that your body is building protection. Serious reactions to the flu vaccine are very rare. Our pharmacist will explain what to look out for and what to do in the unlikely event you feel unwell.
Importantly, the injected flu vaccine cannot give you flu, because it does not contain any live virus. If you do develop flu-like symptoms shortly after vaccination, it is because you were already exposed to a virus before the vaccine had time to work, or because you have picked up a different respiratory infection.
Protecting yourself and others this winter
Having your flu jab does not only protect you. When more people in the community are vaccinated, flu finds it harder to spread, which helps protect vulnerable friends, family members and neighbours who may be at greater risk. By being vaccinated you are also helping to reduce pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals during their busiest season.
If you would like to be vaccinated, or you are not sure whether you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab, the team at Alton Pharmacy will be happy to advise you. Call into the pharmacy at 68 High Street, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1ET, or telephone us on 01420 83176 to arrange your flu vaccination.
