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Flu Jab

The flu is a common viral illness that causes fever, muscle aches and fatigue. The flu jab offers good protection against several strains of the flu virus. If you aren’t eligible to receive the vaccination for free on the NHS, you can order it privately through our online service.

“The flu jab helps your immune system fight off the flu virus.”

Amanda Dorkes - Clinical Director
Amanda Dorkes
MRPharmS BSC(Pharm) Hons
Flu Jab - Doctor Vaccination - Picture

Key Features
  • Fights off several strains of the flu virus
  • Administered in one injection
  • Vaccination administered at your local LloydsPharmacy
Immunity lasts 6-12 months. For full protection, you should be vaccinated once a year.
Dr Gigi Taguri

Key Information

How the vaccine works

This vaccine consists of a single injection deliver into the upper arm. The vaccine contains small amounts of a modified (inactive) form of multiple different flu viruses. Your body responds by producing antibodies to fight the infection. This vaccine cannot give you flu, although a very small number of patients may experience side effects similar to the common cold.

Level of protection

The vaccine does not guarantee complete protection, but it has been shown to reduce the likelihood of catching flu. Clinical studies have also shown that it is likely to reduce the severity and length of the symptoms if you do catch flu. Protection lasts for up to one year, after which you’ll need to be vaccinated again.

Side effects

The most common side effect of the flu vaccine is soreness at the injection site, although this is rare. Some people do also find that they have symptoms resembling the common cold, such as a headache, runny nose, cough, or sore throat.

Risk of severe allergic reaction

All LloydsPharmacy staff who provide this service are trained to manage anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include fainting, shortness of breath, falling blood pressure and swelling of the face and neck. Anaphylaxis is extremely rare and typically happens within ten minutes of receiving the injection.

How do I receive the vaccination?

When you order the vaccine, you select which LloydsPharmacy store to receive your vaccine at (we have over 1,300 vaccinating pharmacies nationwide). After a doctor has approved your order, you need to call up your chosen pharmacy and book an appointment to receive your injection from a trained medical professional.

How do I get the flu jab from LloydsPharmacy?

1. Select the flu vaccine and complete our short online questionnaire. Make sure that you include all medical information relating to current medications, allergies, pregnancy and illness.

2. Select the LloydsPharmacy store where you would like to receive your vaccination. If you have an existing account, log in to continue. Otherwise register to make your payment online.

3. One of our clinicians will review your medical questionnaire to make sure you can safely receive the flu vaccine.

4. If you are suitable to receive the flu vaccine, your order will be approved. After this you can telephone your selected pharmacy to book an appointment.

About the Flu Jab

The flu (or “influenza”) is a common viral illness that normally causes a fever, tiredness, aches and pains, a cough and a headache. Symptoms typically pass within a week, however during this time you may have to take time away from work or university to recover.

Flu is caused by many different viral strains, which change from year to year. This is why it is advisable to get the vaccine on an annual basis.

The flu vaccine works by stimulating your immune system to fight off flu viruses. The flu vaccine is free on the NHS for certain at-risk groups, including pregnant women and those over 65. If you aren’t eligible for the free vaccine you can still receive it. The vaccine can be a good idea for busy people who cannot afford to get sick and take time off from work and family life.

Alternatives to the Flu Jab

If you catch the flu, receiving the flu vaccination will not help treat your symptoms. However, you may consider taking Tamiflu. This is an antiviral tablet which can shorten the length of your symptoms.

How our Flu Jab service works
How Our Service Works