Flu Vaccine
Getting the flu vaccine is a great idea. Maybe you are worried about catching the flu, or you are concerned about having time off work. Or maybe you just want to make sure you do not pass it on to the more vulnerable members of your family. Whatever the reason, having the flu vaccine against this year’s strain of seasonal flu can give you protection and peace of mind. Carrick Pharmacy offers NHS and private flu vaccine in Maybole.
The importance of the flu vaccine
The significance of flu vaccination lies in the fact that, although flu is disagreeable for the majority of individuals, it can pose a risk and potentially be life-threatening for certain individuals, especially those with specific health conditions.
The optimal period for receiving your flu vaccination is during autumn or early winter, before the onset of flu transmission. However, it is still possible to obtain your vaccine at a later time.
Who is eligible for the NHS flu vaccine?
You will be offered the flu vaccine if you are:
– aged 50 years or over (or will be by 31 March 2024)
– a resident or staff working in a care home for older adults
– a younger adult in long-stay nursing and residential care settings
– a health or social care worker
– aged 6 months to 2 years with an eligible health condition
– aged 2 to 5 years not yet at school (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September 2023 to be eligible)
– a primary or secondary school pupil
– aged 5 to 49 years with an eligible health condition
– aged 5 to 49 years and are a household contact of someone with a weakened immune system
– an unpaid carer or a young carer
– pregnant
– a nursery, primary or secondary school teacher or pupil-facing support staff in a local authority or independent setting
– part of the prison population, a prison officer, or support staff who delivers direct front-facing detention services
Please note that eligibility criteria for the NHS flu vaccine may change based on the guidelines set by the NHS. The information provided here is accurate as of the time of writing and is subject to updates according to NHS guidelines.
The NHS flu vaccine is FREE in Scotland for all over 50s.
If you do not qualify for a free NHS flu vaccine, we can still provide you with a private flu vaccination for the cost of £12.99.
Who shouldn’t have the vaccine?
Most people can get a flu vaccine. However, there are a couple of exceptions:
– If you are currently unwell with a fever, you should delay getting the flu vaccine.
– If you have an egg allergy, speak to your GP or pharmacist before getting the jab.
Please speak to our pharmacy team about eligibility for getting the flu vaccine in Maybole.
