Flu Vaccinations
Most of our pharmacies offer the free NHS flu jab* for those that meet the eligibility criteria. Alternatively, we offer a private service*^.
- When you book, we’ll ask a few questions to check if you’re eligible for the free NHS flu jab
- If not, we offer a private service*^ in most stores for those aged 16+ and in selected stores for children aged 11 to 15^^
- Unless pregnant, it’s recommended that adults should get vaccinated in October or November, to maximise protection during the peak flu months‡
How it works
Step one
Answer a few questions
To help us check which flu jab service
is right for you**
Step two
Book an appointment
Free for the NHS flu jab or £21.95^
for our private service
Step three
Attend your appointment
Have your flu jab after a consultation
in store
How long will my appointment take?
Your appointment will take around 10 minutes.
** Some bookings for the private service include a short online consultation, which is
reviewed by a prescribing clinician
^ £21.95 (or £26.95 in Jersey)
Why should I get the flu jab every year?
Whilst no vaccine is 100% effective, having a flu jab will help protect you from catching flu and passing it on to others. After your jab, it usually takes up to two weeks to be protected.
The vaccination will be given in the upper arm. There may be some side effects, but these are usually mild and short-lived. The most common side effects include:
- Pain or soreness at the injection site
- A raised temperature
- Aching muscles or joints
The eligible groups for a free flu jab vary in each country and may be updated during the winter flu season.
England, Wales and Isle of Man
Most of our pharmacies can provide the free NHS flu jab* to those aged 65 and over†
as well as those aged 18+ who are carers,
are pregnant, or in a clinical risk group (e.g. diabetes, a heart condition or asthma treated with a preventer inhaler).
This is not a complete list, click here for more details.
Scotland
Some of our pharmacies in Scotland may be able to provide the free NHS flu jab* to certain eligible groups.
Please check local guidance or book our private service.
Northern Ireland
Some of our pharmacies in Northern Ireland may be able to provide the free health service funded flu jab* to certain eligible groups.
Please check local guidance or book our private service.
Channel Islands
All our pharmacies in Jersey offer the free States-funded flu jab* to eligible customers.
Our pharmacies in Guernsey offer the private service only.
* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria apply
† Including those who will turn 65 by 31st March 2025
To enable us to give you the best and most appropriate care and advice, we collect your personal data such as name, address and date of birth, we also collect your more sensitive personal data regarding your health for the purposes of ensuring the service we provide is appropriate for you.
We may also process your personal data for carefully considered and specific purposes which are in our interest and enable us to enhance the services we provide, but which we believe also benefit our customers. Your personal data will be stored for as long as necessary unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.
We may share your personal information across Boots services such as Boots Pharmacy and with other companies that provide services on our behalf but we assure you that Boots will never sell your personal data. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and keeping your personal data safe and secure is our top priority.
For more information about who we may share your data with, how Boots process your data and how to amend or remove your data please see our privacy policy or contact Boots.CustomerCare_Team@boots.co.uk.
Private Winter Flu Jab Service
private Winter Flu Jab Service*^.
Our private service costs £21.95^
Collect points for every £1 you spend with Boots Advantage Card ¶If you have any more questions, please see our FAQs.
If you're accessing our private service, please see our Patient Guide
If you're completing an online consultation for our private service, you can find our terms and conditions here
See the results of our latest patient survey here
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) regulates Boots UK Limited to provide care for patients in Northern Ireland. See our latest inspection report here.