Flu season comes around every year, and deciding between a private flu vaccine and the NHS flu vaccine can feel confusing. Last winter the vaccination programme in England is estimated to have prevented between 96,000 and 120,200 hospitalisations due to influenza. Both options protect you from seasonal flu, but your choice may depend on eligibility, cost, and convenience.
Who can get the NHS flu vaccine for free?
The NHS flu vaccine is free for people at higher risk of serious illness from flu. For the 2025–26 season, this includes:
- Adults aged 65 and over (including those turning 65 by 31 March 2026)
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- Children
- Aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- All primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
- All secondary school children (Year 7 to Year 11)
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 years in clinical risk groups
- People with certain long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, lung conditions, or weakened immune systems
- Frontline health and social care staff
- Carers, including those receiving a carer’s allowance or the main carer for an older or disabled person
- Residents of long-stay care homes
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
Is everyone else excluded?
Yes. If you do not fall into these groups, you are not automatically eligible for the free NHS flu vaccine. You may still get it, but you would need to pay privately.
What is a private flu vaccination?
A private flu vaccine is available to anyone who wants to protect themselves against flu but is not covered by NHS eligibility rules. It works in the same way as the NHS jab but is funded by the patient.
Who chooses private flu vaccination?
People often book a private flu vaccine if they:
- Are under 65 and in good health but still want protection
- Want to avoid waiting for NHS appointment slots
- Prefer the flexibility of choosing a time and place that suits them
How much does a private flu vaccine cost?
The price depends on the pharmacy, but it is usually modest. Many people consider it a worthwhile investment to avoid flu-related illness, missed work, or passing the flu to family members.
What are the main benefits of a flu vaccine?
Whether through the NHS or privately, the flu vaccine offers strong protection against circulating strains. The benefits include:
- Lower risk of catching flu
- Reduced chance of severe illness or hospitalisation
- Helping protect vulnerable people around you
- Fewer days lost at work or school
Do private and NHS flu vaccines work differently?
No. Both use the same seasonal vaccine formula recommended by the World Health Organisation and updated every year to target the most common flu strains.
Which option should you choose?
If you qualify for the free NHS flu vaccine, it makes sense to take it. If you are not eligible or want more flexibility, a private flu vaccination is a reliable alternative. Ultimately, both options protect you and help reduce the spread of flu across communities.
Take charge of your health this flu season. Book your appointment with our pharmacists at Touchwood Pharmacy for your flu vaccination today.
FAQs
Can I pay for a private flu vaccine if I am not eligible for the NHS one?
Yes, anyone can book and pay for a private flu vaccine if they are not eligible for the NHS flu vaccine. This is a good option if you still want protection but do not qualify under the NHS criteria.
Is the private flu vaccination different from the NHS flu vaccine?
No, the private flu vaccination offers the same protection as the NHS flu vaccine. Both are updated each year to target the most common flu strains circulating that season.
When should I get my flu vaccine for the best protection?
It is best to have your flu vaccine in the early autumn, before flu begins to spread. Both NHS and private vaccines are usually available from September onwards, but you can still get one later in the season if you have not yet been vaccinated.
How quickly does the flu vaccine start to work?
The flu vaccine usually takes about 10 to 14 days to build full protection in your body. That is why getting your vaccine before the flu season peaks is recommended.
Can I get the flu vaccine privately if I already had one through the NHS?
No, you only need one flu vaccine per season. Having more than one does not increase your protection, so if you already received your NHS flu jab, you will not need a private one.
Where can I book a private flu vaccine near me?
Private flu vaccines are widely available at community pharmacies like Touchwood Pharmacy. You can book an appointment at a convenient time without long waiting lists.
