The flu jab is routinely given free of charge on the NHS to various groups of people, including adults aged 65 and over, people with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, frontline health or social care workers, children in primary school, and children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2019. For everyone else, the vaccine is available at a small cost from GP surgeries and select pharmacies and supermarkets. But how effective is the flu vaccine for those wondering whether or not to get it? According to the NHS, the flu vaccine is the best protection people have against an unpredictable virus thatch cause unpleasant illness in children and severe illness and death among at-risk groups, including older people, pregnant women and those with an underlying medical health condition.
Studies have shown that the flu vaccine will help prevent you getting the flu
NHS
The health body advises: “Studies have shown that the flu vaccine will help prevent you getting the flu.
“It will not stop all flu viruses and the level of protection may vary, so it’s not a 100 per cent guarantee that you’ll be flu-free.
“But if you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and shorter-lived than it would otherwise have been.”
Over time, protection from the flu jab gradually decreases, and flu strains change, which is why new flu vaccines are produced each year and people are reminded again to get it.
Medical professionals recommend getting the flu jab around the beginning of October to the end of November.
But for those who miss it, the vaccine is still available later in winter.
As well as GP surgeries, the flu jab is available at Boots, Asda, Tesco, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug, but if you’re not eligible for a free flu jab the cost varies.
Asda
The vaccine at Asda Pharmacy is £7 and booking are available now.
Superdrug
Superdrug is providing a walk-in vaccination service. The cost of the jab is £9.99.
Tesco
From October, vaccinations will be available at selected Tesco Pharmacy stores in England and Wales.
You’ll be bale to make an appointment to have one, or receive one straight away after filling in a short questionnaire.
It takes 15 minutes, during which the pharmacist will explain the process and answer any queries, and costs just £10.
Lloyds Pharmacy
The flu vaccine at Lloyds is just £11.50. The healthcare team at your local pharmacist will be able to tell you what’s right for you.
Boots
The jab costs £12.99. You can book an appointment either in store or online.
Appointments for children ages 11 to 15 can only be booked in selected stores.
Different types of flu vaccine are available for different groups of people. Find out which one you need here.
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