Flu Jab in Gillingham: Free NHS and Private

The NHS offers a free flu jab each autumn to people most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. That includes everyone aged 65 or over (or turning 65 by 31 March 2027), adults with certain long-term conditions, anyone who is pregnant, carers, care home residents, people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system, and people experiencing homelessness.

Long-term conditions that qualify include asthma, COPD and other breathing conditions, heart disease, chronic kidney or liver disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, some neurological conditions, a learning disability and a BMI of 40 or above. If you're not sure whether you qualify, ask us and we'll check before you book.

Frontline health and social care workers can usually get a flu jab through their employer. Some care workers who can't get it that way can have it free at a pharmacy instead.

Not eligible for a free NHS flu jab? Any adult aged 18 or over can have a private flu jab with us. People often choose one so a bout of flu doesn't cost them time off work, or to lower the chance of passing flu on to family.

We'll confirm the current price when you book or call. Before you pay, we'll check whether you qualify for a free NHS jab, so you never pay for one you could have had free.

Most eligible adults can have their NHS flu jab from 1 October 2026, and anyone who is pregnant can have it from 1 September 2026. The vaccine takes up to 14 days to work, so having it in October or November means you're protected before flu spreads most over the winter.

Missed the autumn window? It's still worth having your flu jab later in the season. Some protection is always better than none.

Many GP surgeries only vaccinate during office hours, exactly when working people can't get there. We're open from 7:30am to 10pm every day, so you can have your flu jab before work, on your way home, or at the weekend without booking time off.

Side effects are usually mild and settle within 1 to 2 days. The most common are a sore arm where the injection went in, a slightly raised temperature and an aching body.

Tell us if you have an egg allergy, as some flu vaccines contain egg protein, or if you've had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine before. If you have a high temperature on the day, wait until you feel better before having your jab. Serious allergic reactions are rare, but if you notice swelling of your lips, face or throat, or difficulty breathing after any vaccine, call 999.