Flu Vaccination
Am I eligible for a free NHS jab?
Many people qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination — and if you don’t, the private jab is £24.99. The booking form checks your eligibility.
| Your situation | Details | What we’ll do |
|---|---|---|
| Free NHS Eligible NHS groups | Over-65s, chronic respiratory, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, weakened immunity, pregnancy, carers and other NHS groups | Free vaccination — and we notify your GP surgery automatically |
| Private Everyone else | Anyone aged 16+ who wants to protect themselves, family and colleagues | Private flu jab £24.99 — cheaper than some high-street chains |
| Ask first Egg allergy or feeling unwell | A few conditions and allergies need a quick check; mild illness may just mean a short delay | Our pharmacist runs through screening questions before every jab |
| Under 16 Children | Our private service is for ages 16+ (NHS-funded jabs here are 18+) | Children’s NHS flu vaccination runs through GP surgeries and schools |
Not sure which group you’re in? The booking form below walks you through it.
Why get a flu jab?
Flu is a contagious viral illness spread by coughing, sneezing and contaminated surfaces — and it changes every year, which is why last season’s jab won’t protect you this season. Community pharmacies gave over a million flu vaccinations in the UK last year, and ours are done by our own pharmacists in a private consultation room.
Vaccination protects more than just you: immunity around vulnerable family members, colleagues and patients is what keeps flu from spreading. The vaccine cannot give you flu — at most, some people notice mild muscle aches, a slight temperature or a sore arm for a day or two.
Every appointment starts with a short consultation to confirm the jab is suitable for you. Which NHS-recommended vaccine you receive depends on your age, and immunity builds over up to three weeks — another reason to book early in the season. We let your GP surgery know which vaccination you’ve had and when.
How your appointment works
Fixed appointment slots from 1 October; walk-ins may be possible with a short wait.
| Stage | Details | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Book & screen | Fill in the booking form — your surgery, eligibility and a few health questions | Tells us whether your jab is free NHS or private |
| 2 · Consultation & jab | The pharmacist confirms suitability, then vaccinates | A few minutes in the private consultation room |
| 3 · Protection builds | Immunity takes up to 3 weeks to develop fully | Mild soreness or aches afterwards are normal and short-lived |
Vaccines are given every year because the flu virus changes — book each season, ideally before winter arrives.
Flu vaccination prices
One price, no extras — and free if you qualify for the NHS jab.
| Service | Price | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| NHS flu vaccination | Free | For eligible groups — eligibility confirmed on the booking form |
| Private flu vaccination | £24.99 | Consultation and vaccination for anyone 16+ |
Flu vaccines are given following a short suitability consultation with the pharmacist.
How it works
Fill in the booking form
Two minutes — surgery, eligibility and health questions, on this page below.
Pick your slot
Fixed appointment times from 1 October; you’ll receive confirmation once your dose is allocated.
A five-minute jab
Screening questions, vaccination, done — protection builds over three weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the flu jab cost?
Free if you’re entitled to an NHS vaccination; otherwise £24.99 privately — cheaper than some high-street chains.
Who qualifies for a free NHS flu jab?
Over-65s, people with long-term conditions (asthma, COPD, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems and others), pregnant women and carers, among other NHS groups. The booking form checks this for you.
When should I get vaccinated?
Clinics run from 1 October and booking is open September to March. Earlier is better — immunity takes up to three weeks to build, so being vaccinated before flu circulates gives you the best protection.
Can the flu vaccine give me flu?
No. Millions are vaccinated safely every year in the UK. Some people notice mild muscle aches, a slight temperature or soreness at the injection site for a day or two — a painkiller can help; feel free to ask us.
Do I need a jab every year?
Yes — the flu virus changes over time, so last year’s vaccination won’t protect you against this year’s strains. The NHS-recommended vaccine you receive depends on your age.
What if I’m unwell on the day, or have an egg allergy?
Let us know — mild illness may just mean a short delay, and the pharmacist checks allergies and conditions in the pre-jab screening questions. We’re trained to recognise and manage the very rare serious reaction.
Rated by 1,200+ patients of our Camberley pharmacy and clinics.
GPhC registered pharmacy 1105418 · Superintendent pharmacist Jirina Thielens (GPhC 2069634).
This guide follows UK national health guidance (NHS) and was last reviewed in August 2026. Recommendations can change — your consultation always reflects the latest advice.
Beat the flu season
Book your NHS or private flu jab at VSM Pharmacy Camberley — clinics from 1 October.
Book Your Flu Jab