{"product_id":"winter-flu-jab","title":"2026\/2027 Winter Private Flu JAB Vaccination Service","description":"\u003cp class=\"lede\"\u003eThe 2026\/2027 Winter Private Flu Jab Service from Ways Pharmacy is a single-dose, pharmacist-administered seasonal influenza vaccination, available at our Holborn (London) and Beeston (Nottingham) branches. Choose between two trivalent vaccines for the 2026\/27 season — an egg-free cell-based vaccine (available from mid-October 2026) or the egg-cultured Vaxigrip (available from November 2026). Book now to reserve your slot; the NHS route is also offered free to eligible groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich flu jab should I choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCell-based trivalent (Seqirus)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVaxigrip\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVaccine type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInactivated, cell-cultured, egg-free (IIVc)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInactivated, split-virion, egg-cultured (IIVe)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAvailable from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMid-October 2026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNovember 2026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSuitable for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdults 18+, including 65 and over\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdults 18–64 and pregnant women\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e65 and over?\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes — the cell-based vaccine is now recommended for this age group\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo — not advised for 65+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEgg allergy\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEgg-free — suitable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContains ≤0.05 µg ovalbumin — pharmacist will check\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePrice\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e£29.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e£18.99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey facts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSeason\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2026\/27 — all UK flu vaccines this season are trivalent, made to the WHO strain composition announced in February 2026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStrains (cell-based)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA\/Missouri\/11\/2025 (H1N1)pdm09 · A\/Darwin\/1415\/2025 (H3N2) · B\/Pennsylvania\/14\/2025 (B\/Victoria)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStrains (egg-based)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA\/Missouri\/11\/2025 (H1N1)pdm09 · A\/Darwin\/1454\/2025 (H3N2) · B\/Tokyo\/EIS13-175\/2025 (B\/Victoria)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDose\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle 0.5 ml intramuscular injection (deltoid)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePrivate eligibility\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdults 18+ (cell-based) · Adults 18–64 and pregnant women (Vaxigrip)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNHS route (free)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdults 65+, pregnant women, clinical risk groups, carers, frontline health\/social care staff\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eService period\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBookings open now · vaccinations from mid-October 2026 to 31 March 2027\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOnset of protection\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 2–3 weeks after vaccination\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLocations\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHolborn London (WC1B 4ET) · Beeston Nottingham (NG9 1EJ)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAdministered by\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGPhC-registered pharmacist under PGD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho the flu jab is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdults aged 18 to 64 who want seasonal protection but are not in an NHS-eligible group (private route — either vaccine)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdults aged 65 and over who prefer a private appointment (choose the cell-based vaccine), or turning 65 by 31 March 2027 (free under NHS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePregnant women at any stage of pregnancy (free under NHS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdults 18+ in clinical risk groups: diabetes, chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, immunosuppression, asthma requiring steroid inhalers, neurological conditions (free under NHS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarers receiving Carer's Allowance, household contacts of immunocompromised people, frontline health and social care staff (free under NHS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e people with a confirmed severe allergy to a previous flu vaccine or any vaccine component; people who are acutely unwell with fever on the day (postpone until recovered). Egg allergy is usually not a contraindication for Vaxigrip, and the cell-based vaccine is egg-free — the pharmacist will check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow the service works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose your vaccine and pay online, then call to book a slot:\u003cbr\u003e\n    Holborn London: 020 8106 7084 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–16:00)\u003cbr\u003e\n    Beeston Nottingham: 0115 925 5584 (Mon–Fri, 13:00–16:00)\u003cbr\u003e\n    Walk-ins are welcome once stock has arrived.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCell-based vaccine appointments start from mid-October 2026; Vaxigrip appointments start from November 2026. We will contact you if delivery dates change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn arrival the pharmacist confirms NHS eligibility — if you qualify, the vaccine is delivered free under the NHS PGD and your private payment is refunded.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you are not NHS-eligible, the private route is used.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReceive the single 0.5 ml injection into the upper arm. Protection builds over the next 2 to 3 weeks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is different about the 2026\/27 flu vaccines?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll three strains have changed from last season and every UK flu vaccine is trivalent. The other big change is that the cell-based vaccine is now recommended by the JCVI as equivalent to the adjuvanted, high-dose and recombinant vaccines for people aged 65 and over — so if you are 65+ and want a private jab, choose the cell-based option. The egg-cultured Vaxigrip is not advised for 65+.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich vaccine should I pick?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are 65 or over, have an egg allergy, or simply want the earliest appointment, choose the cell-based vaccine (from mid-October). If you are a healthy adult aged 18 to 64 and happy to wait until November, Vaxigrip is the lower-cost option. Both are single-dose, trivalent and made to the same WHO-recommended strains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is eligible for the free NHS flu jab?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 2026\/27 the NHS provides a free flu jab to: adults aged 65 and over (including anyone turning 65 by 31 March 2027), pregnant women, adults aged 18+ in defined clinical risk groups (e.g. diabetes, COPD, heart disease, immunosuppression, asthma on steroid inhalers), people living with immunocompromised individuals, carers receiving Carer's Allowance, frontline health and social care staff, and long-stay residential care patients. We check eligibility at booking and switch you to the NHS route automatically if you qualify.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the private flu jab the same vaccine as the NHS one?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The cell-based trivalent vaccine is one of the vaccines the NHS uses this season for all adult groups, including those aged 65 and over. Vaxigrip is the egg-cultured type the NHS uses for under-65s when preferred vaccines are unavailable. The private route is simply for people who do not fall into an NHS-eligible group, or who prefer to book privately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I get the flu jab if I am pregnant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — and it is strongly recommended at any stage of pregnancy. Flu in pregnancy carries a higher risk of complications for both mother and baby, and vaccination during pregnancy also gives the newborn protection in the first months of life. Pregnant women are eligible for the free NHS flu jab.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I have the flu jab at the same time as the COVID or HPV vaccine?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The inactivated flu vaccine can be co-administered with most other vaccines, including COVID-19 boosters, HPV (Gardasil 9) and Shingrix, at different injection sites. Tell the pharmacist about any vaccines you have had recently or plan to have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does the flu jab take to work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt takes about 2 to 3 weeks for protective antibody levels to develop. Aim to get vaccinated in autumn — ideally October to November — to be fully protected when influenza circulation peaks from December onwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the refund policy for the private flu jab?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you cancel before the appointment or are switched to the NHS route on eligibility, we refund the amount minus a £10 admin fee. If we cannot supply your chosen vaccine this season, you receive a full refund. Refunds are processed back to your original payment method within 5 working days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSafety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdministered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist under the latest Patient Group Direction (PGD)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClinical screening on the day to confirm suitability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15-minute observation period after injection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommon side effects (sore arm, mild fever, headache, tiredness, muscle ache) usually settle within 1 to 2 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnaphylaxis recognition and emergency care available on site\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReferences\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/vaccinations\/flu-vaccine\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNHS — Flu vaccine overview\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/flu-vaccines-2026-to-2027-jcvi-advice-16-july-2025\/jcvi-statement-on-influenza-vaccines-for-2026-to-2027\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJCVI — Statement on influenza vaccines for 2026 to 2027\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/influenza-vaccines-marketed-in-the-uk\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUK Health Security Agency — Influenza vaccines marketed in the UK\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news\/item\/27-02-2026-recommendations-for-influenza-vaccine-composition-for-the-2026-2027-northern-hemisphere-season\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWHO — 2026\/27 northern hemisphere vaccine composition\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is different about the 2026\/27 flu vaccines?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"All three strains have changed from last season and every UK flu vaccine is trivalent. The cell-based vaccine is now recommended by the JCVI as equivalent to the adjuvanted, high-dose and recombinant vaccines for people aged 65 and over, so 65+ patients booking privately should choose the cell-based option. The egg-cultured Vaxigrip is not advised for 65+.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which flu vaccine should I pick?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If you are 65 or over, have an egg allergy, or want the earliest appointment, choose the cell-based vaccine, available from mid-October 2026. Healthy adults aged 18 to 64 happy to wait until November can choose Vaxigrip, the lower-cost option. Both are single-dose, trivalent and made to the same WHO-recommended strains.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who is eligible for the free NHS flu jab?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"For 2026\/27 the NHS provides a free flu jab to: adults aged 65 and over (including anyone turning 65 by 31 March 2027), pregnant women, adults aged 18+ in defined clinical risk groups such as diabetes, COPD, heart disease, immunosuppression or asthma on steroid inhalers, people living with immunocompromised individuals, carers receiving Carer's Allowance, frontline health and social care staff, and long-stay residential care patients. We check eligibility at booking and switch you to the NHS route automatically if you qualify.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is the private flu jab the same vaccine as the NHS one?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. The cell-based trivalent vaccine is one of the vaccines the NHS uses this season for all adult groups including those aged 65 and over. Vaxigrip is the egg-cultured type the NHS uses for under-65s when preferred vaccines are unavailable. The private route is for people who do not fall into an NHS-eligible group or who prefer to book privately.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I get the flu jab if I am pregnant?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes — and it is strongly recommended at any stage of pregnancy. Flu in pregnancy carries a higher risk of complications for both mother and baby, and vaccination during pregnancy also gives the newborn protection in the first months of life. Pregnant women are eligible for the free NHS flu jab.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I have the flu jab at the same time as the COVID or HPV vaccine?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. The inactivated flu vaccine can be co-administered with most other vaccines, including COVID-19 boosters, HPV (Gardasil 9) and Shingrix, at different injection sites. Tell the pharmacist about any vaccines you have had recently or plan to have.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does the flu jab take to work?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It takes about 2 to 3 weeks for protective antibody levels to develop. Aim to get vaccinated in autumn — ideally October to November — to be fully protected when influenza circulation peaks from December onwards.\"}},\n    {\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the refund policy for the private flu jab?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If you cancel before the appointment or are switched to the NHS route on eligibility, we refund the amount minus a £10 admin fee. If we cannot supply your chosen vaccine this season, you receive a full refund. Refunds are processed back to your original payment method within 5 working days.\"}}\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* Subject to availability and PGD inclusion criteria. Delivery dates are supplier estimates (cell-based: mid-October 2026; Vaxigrip: November 2026). NHS eligibility is checked at booking. This is a private service for those not eligible for the free NHS flu jab.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Ways Pharmacy","offers":[{"title":"Cell-based trivalent (Seqirus, egg-free) — from mid-Oct 2026 · Holborn","offer_id":55071540838785,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Vaxigrip egg-cultured trivalent — from Nov 2026 · Holborn","offer_id":39979331027008,"sku":"","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Nottingham Beeston branch — from Nov 2026","offer_id":55065320456577,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/7828\/7680\/products\/shutterstock_480833536.jpg?v=1717924566","url":"https:\/\/wayspharmacy.co.uk\/products\/winter-flu-jab","provider":"Ways Pharmacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}