Vaccine vials and syringes in a clinical setting

NHS Seasonal Vaccination Programme

Stay protected through every season.

Free NHS flu and COVID-19 booster jabs at Qrystal Pharmacy. Walk in during opening hours or pre-book for a slot — eligibility, side-effect advice, and post-jab observation handled by a registered pharmacist.

Free if eligibleCost (NHS)
Same day / walk-inWait time
Sept–March (typical)Available

What is the Seasonal Vaccination Service?

Each autumn, the NHS rolls out a coordinated programme of free jabs to protect people most at risk from respiratory infections that peak in colder months. Qrystal Pharmacy is an accredited NHS provider for both flu and COVID-19 boosters — meaning eligible patients can walk in without a GP appointment and receive their jab from a registered pharmacist.

The two jabs target different threats: flu vaccines are reformulated annually to match the strains the World Health Organization expects to circulate that winter, and COVID boosters top up the antibody response from prior doses or infection. They can usually be given at the same visit, in different arms — saving you a trip.

If you're not eligible for a free NHS jab but still want the protection, ask us about private flu vaccinations. The clinical service is identical; only the funding differs.

Who can get a free NHS seasonal jab?

NHS eligibility is reviewed each year by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). For the latest UK season the typical groups include:

Adults aged 65 and over
Pregnant patients (any trimester)
Adults and children with long-term health conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, immunosuppression, etc.)
Care home residents and the people who care for them
Frontline NHS and social-care workers
Children aged 2–3 (flu, by nasal spray) and school-aged children via school programmes
Household contacts of immunocompromised patients (some seasons)

You're not eligible if:

Patients outside JCVI eligibility groups — we offer private flu jabs instead. Ask us for current pricing.
Anyone with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine ingredient (we'll review with you and signpost to a hospital-based clinic if needed)

How a seasonal vaccination visit works

Check eligibility (or just walk in)

Bring proof of eligibility if you have it — a GP letter, blue badge, NHS appointment text, or your maternity notes. If you're not sure, we can usually look it up from your NHS record.

Pre-jab consultation

Our pharmacist confirms eligibility, reviews allergies and current medicines, and answers any concerns. Takes 5 minutes in a private consultation room.

The jab itself

A quick injection in the upper arm. We can give flu and COVID at the same visit (one in each arm). Most patients are in and out in under 10 minutes.

Post-jab observation

We ask you to stay in the pharmacy for 5 minutes after your jab so we can act on the rare immediate reaction. With your consent the record goes straight to your GP and onto your NHS record.

What's included in the service

Eligibility check against NHS criteria
Pre-jab consultation in a private room
Free NHS flu vaccine (if eligible)
Free NHS COVID-19 booster (if eligible)
Optional same-visit administration of both jabs
Post-jab observation and side-effect advice
Electronic record sent to your GP and NHS record

Seasonal vaccinations — frequently asked questions

Do I need an appointment?

No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. You can also pre-book a slot to skip any wait, especially during peak demand in October/November.

Can I have flu and COVID at the same time?

Yes. Co-administration is standard NHS practice — one jab in each arm, in a single visit.

What if I'm not eligible for the free NHS jab?

We offer private flu vaccinations year-round for anyone aged 18+. The clinical service is the same — please ask the pharmacist for current pricing.

How long does the protection last?

Flu vaccines protect for the season they're designed for (roughly 6 months). COVID boosters typically maintain heightened protection for around 6 months too — JCVI publishes refreshed guidance each spring and autumn.

What side effects should I expect?

Most common: a sore arm, mild tiredness, low-grade fever for 24–48 hours. Severe reactions are very rare. We'll review red-flag symptoms with you before you leave.

Can children get vaccinated here?

Children aged 2–3 are typically vaccinated for flu in primary care; school-aged children through the school programme. We can flu-vaccinate older children with a parent or guardian present and a GP referral if needed — please ring ahead.

Flu Vaccination

Annual NHS flu jab matched to this season's strains — for eligible adults, children, and at-risk groups.

Learn more

COVID-19 Vaccination

Autumn and spring NHS COVID boosters for eligible at-risk groups — quick walk-in clinics from a registered pharmacist.