The government and NHS recommended that eligible adults are vaccinated in October or November to maximise protection during the peak flu months, as the flu vaccination effectiveness can decrease over time. However, it’s recommended that those who are pregnant or who’ve been advised by their GP that they require vaccination earlier than October (for example because they are due to start chemotherapy) are vaccinated from September.
It takes around two weeks for the body’s immune system to respond fully and it’s important to be prepared for the start of the flu season (December to March). We recommend booking early for your vaccination.
The vaccination is given as a single dose, by injection into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.
As with any vaccination, there is no guarantee that it will be fully effective, however being vaccinated against flu offers the best way of protecting yourself against flu. Even if you do then get flu, it’s likely to be milder and shorter-lived than would otherwise have been the case.
Symptoms of flu and COVID-19 can be very similar and anyone with symptoms that may indicate they have COVID-19 should follow any current COVID-19 government guidelines.
Most UK primary school children will be offered an NHS flu vaccination (usually in the form of a nasal spray) via their school. Younger children will be offered the vaccination at their GP surgery. In some countries, the vaccination is offered for those in secondary school, however, the age groups for this may vary by country so please check local guidance before booking an appointment at Boots.
If you have a severe egg allergy, we can offer you an egg-free vaccination*. If you have a mild egg allergy, we can use an egg-free vaccination or one that has a low egg content*
You can change or cancel your appointment here. Alternatively, you can contact the store directly to reschedule your appointment.
You can change or cancel your appointment here. Alternatively, you can contact the store directly to reschedule your appointment.
Additional FAQs if you have booked & paid online (or used a discount/corporate voucher code online)
Some people booking an appointment for the private service via boots.com will be asked to complete a short online consultation, which will be reviewed by a prescribing clinician. If this applies to you and you’ve booked and paid online (or have used a discount or voucher code when booking your appointment), the following FAQs also apply.
You can change your appointment by going to My Orders in your account here.
Yes, should you change your mind about the service, you can cancel your order before your appointment has taken place. This will refund the payment to your original payment method. Please allow up to 14 days for the refund.
The Independent Medical Agency (IMA) manages the prescribing of medicines via Boots Online Consultation Services (Vaccinations).
The IMA is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) in Northern Ireland.
You can find out more about the team here.
To get in touch with your prescribing clinician at the Independent Medical Agency (IMA), you can use any of the following methods:
• By telephoning Boots Customer Care on 0345 0708090*
• By writing to: Boots IMA, Thane Road, D90E F08, Nottingham NG90 1BS
• By e-mail to: IMA@boots.co.uk
You can also speak to a pharmacist in store who may be able to help with your query.
*Local call rate; calls are recorded or monitored for training purposes; click here for opening hours.
*Subject to availability and eligibility criteria
