Flu vaccinations

Fight back against flu this winter

The flu virus spreads via airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Protect yourself with an NHS or private flu vaccine.

Understanding flu

The flu virus is spread by infected coughs and sneezes. Antibiotics are ineffective for treating the flu, so people recovering from it need time to let their bodies recover and fight it off. Unfortunately, because we all need to breathe air, it’s an effective way to spread the flu virus. Hand hygiene is also essential in fighting the virus, as it can spread through contact and be caught from surfaces touched by an infected person.

Symptoms of flu are more severe than a cold, but should improve significantly after seven days. You may be left feeling tired after an episode of flu.

Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea and other stomach problems
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shivering
  • Difficulty sleeping

How long will my flu symptoms last?

You can expect flu symptoms to improve significantly after seven days. However, you may feel profoundly tired after a flu episode. If you’re worried that your symptoms aren’t improving, consult your doctor.

FREE NHS VACCINES

NHS vaccines are free for eligible people every winter:

  • Aged 65 and over
  • Aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
  • Pregnant
  • Living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
  • Living with someone who has a weakened immune system
  • An unpaid or young carer
  • A frontline health or social care worker
  • A non-frontline NHS worker
  • A poultry worker
  • An asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation
  • Experiencing homelessness or substance misuse
  • Living in a Scottish prison

Click book your free NHS Flu Vaccination

 

Private vaccinations

We also supply paid or employer-funded vaccines.

Self-funded private vaccinations are available to anyone who needs them We also support employer-funded private vaccinations We work hard to provide high-quality flu vaccination that’s the same as the NHS vaccine. Only the payment method is different Book flu vaccinations online directly with us using our quick, easy calendar

Book a self-funded private vaccination

Book employer-funded private vaccination

 

THE KEY DETAILS

Why get your vaccine with us?

When it comes to getting vaccinated, trust the experts. Amiry & Gilbride is a well-established group of pharmacies across Edinburgh and the Fife region. Our pharmacists are highly skilled in vaccine administration and will advise you on the flu vaccine and any side effects to look out for. We’ll also supply a handy leaflet with more information.

Which jab do we offer?

We offer the standard flu jab. The flu is often confused with the common cold. However, cold symptoms are milder and come on more gradually.

Why get the flu jab?

The flu vaccination won’t prevent you from getting symptoms and taking time to recover. However, it will reduce your risk of getting flu in the first place. Although it doesn’t protect 100% of people from getting flu, the vaccine can minimise symptoms and help you recover faster.

Unfortunately, catching flu can result in serious complications for some people. It’s recommended that children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and older people be vaccinated against the flu. The flu jab protects and prevents more serious illnesses and complications like pneumonia.

What happens when I get the flu jab?

The flu jab isn’t a live vaccine, so you won’t get flu, but you may suffer flu-like symptoms. Any side effects are generally mild and pass within a few days. The injection site itself may be red and sore for a few days after your flu jab. Your pharmacist or nurse will inform you of side effects to look out for.

When will the vaccination start working?

It can take up to 14 days to develop immunity after getting your flu vaccinations. As a result, we recommend booking your flu jab early in the season. That way, your body can build immunity and minimise the risk of catching the flu.

How often will I need a flu vaccination?

To stay protected, you should get vaccinated every year. You need to renew your vaccination because the virus is constantly mutating, and the vaccine is reformulated every year to remain effective against major strains of the virus.

When should I get my jab?

We recommend getting vaccinated at the start of flu season, but you can get the jab at any time during the winter.

I’ve already had the flu this year. Should I still get the flu jab?

Yes, you should. Every year, there’s more than one strain of flu in circulation. Even if you’ve had one strain, the flu jab could protect you against getting other strains of the virus.

COST

NHS vaccines are free for eligible people.

We also provide high-quality, affordable private vaccinations, either employer-funded or self-funded. Check booking information for the up-to-date cost. You won’t need an appointment, just a short consultation with your pharmacist.

Your employer may give you a voucher to cover the cost.

SERVICE DETAILS

Price: Small charge

Frequency: As required

We provide an information leaflet free of charge.

Availability: To book your annual flu vaccination, select your preferred Amiry and Gilbride pharmacy online via their page or pop into your local pharmacy whenever it suits you.

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