This year, getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever. Colecross Pharmacy is now providing the flu jab in Chelmsford and the surrounding area. 

What is the flu jab?

The flu jab is a vaccination against the influenza virus. Most people receive the flu vaccine as an injection or jab. But children receive the vaccination in the form of a nasal spray.

The flu vaccine is the best protection against catching the flu. It is possible to catch a strain of flu virus that wasn’t included in the jab. However, if you do, you’re still provided with some protection and will probably recover more quickly from than if you hadn’t had the jab.

You can get your flu jab from your GP. Or, if you live in Chelmsford or the surrounding area, you can get the flu jab through Colecross Pharmacy Flu Vaccination Service.

Colecross Pharmacy encourages everyone who can to get the flu jab in 2024.

Who should have the flu jab?

The influenza vaccine is strongly recommended for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from the flu. This preventive measure is provided by the NHS annually during the autumn or early winter, ensuring timely protection. However, it’s essential to note that the vaccine remains accessible beyond this period, allowing individuals to receive it later in the year for continued safeguarding against the flu.

Who shouldn’t have the flu jab?

Most people can have a flu vaccine. However, there are a couple of exceptions:

– If you are currently unwell with a fever, you should delay getting the flu jab.
– If you have an egg allergy, speak to your GP or pharmacist before getting the jab.

Who is eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS?

The flu vaccine is free for people in high-risk groups. You qualify for a free vaccine if you are in one of the following categories:

• – Are aged 65 or over (including if you will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
• – Have certain long-term health conditions
• – Are pregnant
• – Live in a care home
• – Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• – Live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Your pharmacist will check if you qualify for a flu vaccination on the NHS. If you don’t qualify for a free flu jab, you can still have the flu jab privately. But you can still access the free jab from your pharmacist, which may be more convenient than booking an appointment at your GP. 

What are the flu jab side effects?

The flu jab is a safe and effective method of fighting the flu. If you experience any flu jab side effects, they are likely to be mild. Side effects include:

– Mild fever
– Aching muscles
– Sore arm where you were injected
– Headache
– Tiredness or feeling under the weather
– Blocked or runny nose

Some people also lose their appetite following the flu jab. Serious side effects of the injected flu vaccine are very rare.

How to get the flu jab in Chelmsford

For Chelmsford, you can book in-store, via telephone, or simply walk into Colecross Pharmacy for the flu jab at our vaccination clinic.

Contact us to learn more