Flu Vaccination Service

Flu Vaccinations

Protect yourself this winter with a quick, convenient flu jab at Corby Pharmacy. Free for eligible groups or £19.99 for adults who don't qualify under the NHS.

Book online Call 01536 264 014 Check eligibility
Book online for guaranteed appointments, Walk-ins welcome subject to availability and vaccine stock. Season runs September to March.

Who can get the flu vaccine?

NHS Free service

Eligible for free flu jab

Adults aged 18+ may qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination if you are:

  • Aged 65 or over (including those who turn 65 by 31 March 2026)
  • Pregnant at any stage of pregnancy
  • Living with long-term conditions including:
    • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
    • Heart disease or had a stroke
    • Chronic kidney or liver disease
    • Respiratory conditions (asthma requiring inhaler, COPD, bronchitis)
    • Weakened immune system (chemotherapy, HIV, organ transplant)
    • Neurological conditions (MS, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy)
    • BMI 40 or above
  • A carer (in receipt of carer's allowance or main carer of elderly/disabled person)
  • Living in a care home or long-stay facility
  • A close contact of someone who is immunosuppressed
  • A frontline health or social care worker
Unsure if you're eligible? Call us on 01536 264 014 or book online and we'll confirm during the questions.

Private flu vaccination

Adults aged 18+ who don't meet the free NHS criteria can still protect themselves this winter.

£19.99

Same quick service, same qualified pharmacist, same protection. Just pay a small fee if you don't qualify under NHS criteria.

Walk-ins available during the season, subject to capacity and vaccine stock. Online booking recommended to guarantee your slot.

How it works

Simple, quick, and convenient, from booking to vaccination in three easy steps

1

Book or walk in

Book online for guaranteed slot, or walk in during opening hours (subject to availability)

2

Health screening

Our qualified pharmacist confirms eligibility, reviews your medical history, and checks for allergies

3

Get vaccinated

Quick injection in your upper arm using a sterile single-use needle. Done in ~5 minutes total

When you visit

Four things to help your visit go smoothly.

Arrive 3 minutes early Helps keep the clinic running smoothly.
Wear loose clothes
Wear loose clothes Easy access to your upper arm, ideally without removing your top.
No large bags
No large bags Please avoid large bags and bulky coats due to limited space.
Bring ID & proof of eligibility Please bring a form of photo ID. If you're eligible due to age (65+), your ID is sufficient. For all other eligibility reasons (e.g. diabetes, long-term conditions), you'll also need proof — if you're registered with us we can check on our system, otherwise please bring your repeat prescription or a letter from your GP.

At your appointment

Before vaccination

  • Quick health screening questions
  • Confirm eligibility and medical history
  • Check for allergies or previous reactions
  • Discuss any concerns you have

During vaccination

  • Injection into your upper arm
  • Takes literally seconds
  • Uses sterile single-use needle

After vaccination

  • Given vaccination record card
  • Advised about possible side effects
  • Most people can leave immediately

After your vaccination

Common side effects (usually mild):

  • Slight soreness, redness or bruising at injection site
  • Mild temperature, headache, or feeling tired
  • Aching muscles

These typically clear up within 1-2 days and mean your immune system is responding.

Important to know:

  • You cannot get flu from the vaccine
  • Protection builds over ~2 weeks
  • You can drive, work, and exercise normally
  • No alcohol restrictions
Serious reactions are very rare. Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe allergic reaction symptoms (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat).
Important

Who should NOT get the flu vaccine (or consult GP first)

  • Severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine
  • Severe allergy to any vaccine component (your pharmacist can check)
  • Currently unwell with a high temperature (wait until recovered, then get vaccinated)
Note: Most people with egg allergy CAN have the flu vaccine safely. We use egg-free vaccines where appropriate. Discuss with our pharmacist if you have concerns.
✓ Qualified pharmacist · Registered with GPhC
NHS approved service provider
✓ Fully trained · Vaccination certified

Common questions

Do I need the flu vaccine every year?
Yes. The flu virus changes each year and your protection from last year's vaccine reduces over time. An annual flu jab helps protect you and those around you throughout the winter season.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
No vaccine is 100% effective, but the flu vaccine significantly reduces your risk of catching flu and developing serious complications. Even if you do catch flu after vaccination, symptoms are typically milder and shorter. Protection builds over about two weeks after vaccination.
What are the common side effects?
Most people have no side effects or very mild ones. Common reactions include slight soreness, redness or bruising at the injection site, mild headache, mild temperature, or feeling tired. These typically clear up within 1-2 days and are a sign your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Can I get flu from the flu vaccine?
No. The flu vaccine contains inactivated (killed) flu viruses that cannot give you flu. Some people feel mildly unwell after vaccination, but this is your immune system learning to protect you, not actual flu.
Can I get the flu jab if I'm pregnant?
Yes. The flu vaccine is strongly recommended for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. It helps protect both you and your baby during pregnancy and gives your baby some protection during their first months of life. Pregnant women are eligible for the free NHS service from 1st September.
Do I need an appointment?
Online booking is strongly recommended to guarantee your slot. We also offer walk-ins during opening hours, subject to capacity and vaccine availability. Book online to avoid disappointment.
When should I get vaccinated?
The flu season typically peaks in December and January. The best time to get vaccinated is in autumn (September to November) before flu starts spreading widely. However, it's still beneficial to get vaccinated later in the season if you haven't already, as protection builds within two weeks.
Can I get the flu and COVID vaccines together?
Yes. If you're eligible for both vaccines, you can have them at the same appointment. This is safe and saves you a separate visit. Just let us know when booking if you'd like both vaccines.
I have an egg allergy, can I get the vaccine?
Most people with egg allergy can safely receive the flu vaccine. We can provide egg-free flu vaccines for those who need them. If you've had a severe allergic reaction to egg (anaphylaxis requiring intensive care), please discuss with our pharmacist before booking.
Ready to book your flu jab?
Choose a convenient time or walk in during opening hours