Vaccinations
Many vaccinations are available from your local pharmacy. This enables you to drop in rather than make an appointment at a doctor's surgery.
Influenza vaccinations
Your pharmacy can provide FREE influenza vaccinations for eligible patients aged 13 and over. Eligible patients include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with certain chronic conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, etc). For full details of eligibility criteria talk to your pharmacist.
Pharmacies are also able to provide privately funded influenza vaccinations to all adults over 13 years of age.
The flu spreads easily. Ideally, you should be vaccinated before the main influenza season in May to September.
Infection with the influenza virus can lead to a stay in hospital for any age group but particularly if you are elderly or have an ongoing medical condition.
By immunising against influenza, you can protect yourself and lessen the chance of bringing it home to a baby, older relative or someone with a medical condition who could develop serious complications from influenza.
Other vaccinations
Pharmacists are also able to provide privately funded vaccinations, including:
- Meningococcal (meningitis): Available to anyone 16 years of age or over.
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough): Available to anyone 18 years of age or over or pregnant women.
- Cholera – This can be purchased as an oral liquid from your pharmacy.
- Zoster (shingles): Available to anyone 50 years of age or over.
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): Available to anyone aged 16 years or over (until October 2021).
Talk to your pharmacist for more information about the range of vaccinations available to keep you and your family protected.