Flu season is approaching. And while a bout of flu is unpleasant for anyone, for some people it’s genuinely dangerous.
Flu can lead to hospital admission, complications, or worse.
The good news is that the flu vaccine remains one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to protect yourself and the people around you, and it’s available right on your doorstep at McMinns Pharmacy.
Here’s everything you need to know about the flu vaccine, including why “I had it last year” doesn’t mean you’re covered this time round.
Who’s most at risk from flu?
Flu affects everyone differently.
For most healthy adults, it means a miserable week in bed.
But for certain groups, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, or make existing health conditions significantly worse.
The NHS flu vaccination programme is built around protecting exactly these groups, and for the 2026/27 season, you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine if you fall into one of the following categories:
Age-based eligibility
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Children aged 2–3 (as of 31 August 2026), given as a nasal spray rather than an injection
- Primary and secondary school pupils, also usually via nasal spray
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 years who are in a clinical risk group
Health-based eligibility (clinical risk groups)
- Chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma and COPD
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Chronic neurological conditions, including stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system, due to illness or treatment
- Removal of the spleen, or a spleen that doesn’t work properly
- A BMI of 40 or above
Other eligible groups
- Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
- Long-stay care home residents
- Carers who receive Carer’s Allowance, or who look after an elderly or disabled person
- Close contacts of someone with a weakened immune system
- Frontline health and social care workers
If you don’t fall into an eligible category but would still like protection, which we’d always encourage, particularly if you live with someone who’s at higher risk, a private flu vaccine is available at McMinns Pharmacy.
Booking your flu jab and what happens during the appointment
Getting vaccinated at McMinns Pharmacy is designed to be quick and hassle-free, with no GP appointment needed.
Booking is simple. You can book your slot online, or call us on 01698 372 917. If you’re not sure whether you qualify for a free NHS vaccine, just ask our team when you book. We can check your eligibility for you.
On the day, one of our pharmacists will ask a few quick questions about your health and any allergies, to make sure the vaccine is right for you. Most adults receive the vaccine as a straightforward injection into the upper arm, which takes only a few seconds. Children aged 2 and 3, and those receiving it through the school programme, are usually given it as a quick nasal spray instead – no needles involved.
The whole appointment typically takes just a few minutes, and you’re free to carry on with your day straight afterwards. There’s no need to fast, and you don’t need to stop taking any regular medication beforehand. You should mention any medicines or health conditions to your pharmacist when you check in.
Side effects: what’s normal and what to watch for
Like any vaccine, the flu jab can cause side effects, though most people experience nothing more than mild, short-lived symptoms.
These commonly include a sore, heavy arm where the injection was given, mild tiredness, a slight temperature, or aching muscles for a day or two. These are normal signs that your immune system is responding, and they usually settle on their own without any treatment.
Serious reactions, such as a significant allergic reaction, are extremely rare.
Our pharmacists are trained to recognise and manage this, and we’ll always check for any known allergies before vaccinating you.
If you’ve ever had a serious reaction to a flu vaccine in the past, do let us know when you book, so we can advise you properly.
If you’re generally healthy and have no allergies to vaccine ingredients, the flu jab is considered very safe.
For anyone in an at-risk group, the protection it offers far outweighs the mild, temporary side effects.
Why the flu jab matters – and why you need it every single year
It’s a question we hear a lot: “I had the flu vaccine last year, why do I need another one?” It comes down to two things.
First, flu viruses change. They mutate from one year to the next in a process called antigenic drift, meaning the strains circulating this winter are often different from last year’s. Health authorities update the vaccine’s formulation annually to match the strains expected to be most common, so last year’s vaccine simply isn’t built to protect against this year’s flu.
Second, the protection a flu vaccine gives you fades over time. Immunity typically starts to wane within a few months, so a jab from a year ago offers little protection by the time flu season peaks again in winter.
Together, this means annual vaccination isn’t a formality. It’s the only way the vaccine can do its job properly. For people in at-risk groups especially, skipping a year can mean heading into winter with little or no protection at exactly the time it matters most.
Getting vaccinated doesn’t just protect you, either. It reduces the chances of you passing flu on to someone more vulnerable – a new baby, an elderly relative, or a friend undergoing treatment that’s weakened their immune system.
In that sense, it’s one of the easiest ways to look out for your whole community, not just yourself.
Book your flu jab at McMinns Pharmacy
Whether you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine or would like to arrange a private appointment, our team at McMinns Pharmacy is ready to help – no GP appointment needed, and no long wait.
Book your flu vaccine online, call us on 01698 372 917, or pop into the pharmacy at 19 Main Street, Wishaw.
It only takes a few minutes, and it could save you weeks of feeling unwell this winter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the flu jab and a COVID-19 booster at the same time?
Many people are eligible for both vaccines during the same visit if their appointments align. Ask our pharmacist when you book, and we’ll confirm what’s suitable for you.
Is the flu vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The flu vaccine is recommended at any stage of pregnancy and is considered safe, helping to protect both you and your baby.
What if I’m not sure whether I’m in an eligible group?
Just ask us. Our pharmacists can quickly check your eligibility for a free NHS vaccine, or advise on the private option if you’d prefer to be vaccinated regardless.
This article is for general information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Speak to a pharmacist or your GP if you have specific health concerns about flu vaccination.
Sources: UKHSA: your guide to who’s eligible for the autumn 2026 flu vaccine, NHS England: Flu Vaccination Programme 2026/27, McMinns Pharmacy flu vaccine page