Flu Jab
Annual flu vaccination for eligible patients and private self-pay.
NHS & PrivateAbout This Service
Protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccination. Available free on the NHS for eligible groups, or as a private appointment. Medway Pharmacy is open 7 days a week, 7:30am to 10pm, so you can book a flu jab at a time that suits you, including evenings and weekends.
Key Facts
- NHS flu jab
- Free for eligible groups
- Private flu jab
- Available to anyone 18+, ask us for pricing
- Appointment length
- 5-10 minutes
- Best time to book
- September to November
- Evening and weekend slots
- Yes, open 7 days until 10pm
Who gets a free flu jab on the NHS?
The NHS offers a free flu vaccination every autumn to people at higher risk of serious illness from flu. This includes everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart disease or a weakened immune system, carers, and people living in care homes. Eligibility is set nationally each season. If you're unsure whether you qualify, ask us and we'll check for you.
Not eligible? Our private flu jab is available to any adult aged 18 or over, so you can still protect yourself and the people around you.
Why timing matters
Flu circulates most heavily between December and March, and the vaccine takes up to two weeks to reach full protection. That's why September to November is the sweet spot: you're protected before flu season peaks.
Missed the autumn window? It's still worth getting vaccinated later in the season. Flu strains circulate well into spring, and some protection is always better than none.
Flu jabs that fit around work
Most pharmacies and GP surgeries vaccinate during office hours, exactly when working people can't attend. We're open 7 days a week from 7:30am to 10pm, so you can get your flu jab before work, on your way home, or at the weekend without booking time off.
What to Expect
- 1A short 5-10 minute appointment
- 2A quick injection in the upper arm
- 3A brief check on eligibility and health history
Who Is This For?
- NHS: aged 65+, pregnant, or with certain long-term health conditions
- Private: available to anyone aged 18+
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The injected flu vaccine doesn't contain live virus, so it can't cause flu. You might get a slightly sore arm or feel mildly under the weather for a day or two. That's your immune system responding, and it's far milder than actual flu.
Usually yes, as long as you don't have a fever. If you're feeling genuinely unwell or have a high temperature, we'd recommend rebooking for a few days later, and we'll happily rearrange.
About 5-10 minutes, including a quick check of your eligibility and medical history. We'll usually ask you to wait with us for a few minutes afterwards as a precaution.
Flu viruses change constantly. Each year's vaccine is updated to match the strains expected to circulate that winter, so last year's jab won't reliably protect you this year.
Yes, the flu vaccine is recommended in pregnancy and is free on the NHS. It protects both you and your baby, who will carry some of your immunity in their first months of life.
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Most services available same week. No GP referral needed.