Flu vaccination in Hull: what it costs and who it is for

Flu season in the UK runs from around October to March, and the vaccine takes about two weeks to take full effect. That makes September and early October the sensible window - late enough that protection lasts the season, early enough to be covered before it starts circulating.

Can you get one free on the NHS?

Many people can, and if you are eligible it is worth taking. The NHS offers a free flu vaccine to groups including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, young children, people with certain long-term health conditions, carers, and frontline health and social care workers. The eligibility list changes slightly each year, so it is worth checking the current one on the NHS website or asking your GP practice.

If you fall into one of those groups, our advice is straightforward: use the NHS service. We would rather tell you that than take £25 off you for something you can have for nothing.

When a private flu jab makes sense

Private vaccination is mostly for people who are not eligible for the free jab, or who are but cannot get an appointment at a time that works. Common reasons people come to us:

• You are working age and healthy, so you are not on the NHS list
• You want it done this week rather than joining a queue
• You work with vulnerable people privately and want to be protected early
• You are travelling and want it before you go

What it costs and what happens

A flu vaccination at our Princes Avenue clinic is £25, administered by a registered nurse. There is no consultation fee on top.

The appointment itself is short. The nurse will check you are well enough to be vaccinated and ask about any allergies, particularly to eggs, since some flu vaccines are egg-grown. The injection goes into the upper arm and takes seconds. You will be asked to wait a few minutes afterwards before you leave.

Most people feel nothing beyond a sore arm for a day or so. Some feel mildly achy or tired for a day. The vaccine cannot give you flu - it does not contain live virus.

Who should not have it

If you have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine before, or you are unwell with a fever on the day, tell us and we will talk it through rather than proceeding. This is a conversation to have with the nurse rather than something to decide from a web page.

Booking

Ring the clinic on 01482 766555. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and can usually offer an appointment within days.