Flu Vaccinations

Protect yourself and those around you this winter. Book your flu vaccination at your local Ascent Wellfield Pharmacy.

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What is the flu vaccination service?

Flu is not the same as a heavy cold. It comes on quickly, it can leave you unable to work or care for your family for a week or more, and for some people it leads to serious complications such as pneumonia or a hospital stay.

 

The flu vaccine is the single most effective way to reduce that risk. Our pharmacies offer flu vaccinations throughout the season, delivered by trained pharmacists in a private consultation room. There’s no need to wait for an invitation from your GP, and in most cases you can be in and out in a few minutes.

Who can get a free NHS flu vaccination?

For the 2026/27 season, the NHS offers a free flu vaccination to:

  • Adults aged 65 and over
  • Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
  • Adults and children aged six months and over in a clinical risk group
  • People living in long-stay residential care
  • Carers, including anyone who receives Carer's Allowance or is the main carer for an older or disabled person
  • People who live with someone who is immunocompromised
  • Frontline health and social care workers

About this service

Do I need to have the flu vaccine every year?

Yes. The flu virus changes from year to year, and the vaccine is updated each season to match the strains most likely to circulate. Protection also fades over time, so last year’s vaccination won’t cover you this winter.

It takes around 10 to 14 days for your immune system to respond fully after vaccination.

Flu tends to come on suddenly, unlike a cold. Common symptoms include:

  • A high temperature
  • Body aches and joint pain
  • Tiredness or exhaustion
  • A dry, chesty cough
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, more commonly in children

If you have a high temperature, it’s best to wait until you’re feeling better. A minor cold without a fever isn’t usually a reason to postpone. If in doubt, call the pharmacy before your appointment.

Yes. The flu vaccine is recommended at any stage of pregnancy. It protects you at a time when flu is more likely to cause complications, and it passes some protection to your baby for the first few months after birth.

Yes. Flu circulates into the new year, and vaccinations continue until the end of March. It’s always better to be vaccinated late than not at all.

  • Chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma requiring regular treatment, COPD or bronchitis
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease or a learning disability
  • Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
  • A weakened immune system, whether due to a condition such as HIV or to treatment such as chemotherapy
  • Asplenia or splenic dysfunction
  • Severe obesity

 

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, speak to your pharmacist. They can check with you and, if you aren’t eligible for a free vaccination, talk you through the private option.

Flu vaccinations are available from September, and the NHS aims to have the majority of people vaccinated by the end of November. Flu usually peaks in December and January, and it takes around two weeks after your vaccination for your immune system to build full protection — so booking early matters.

 

  • From 1 September – vaccinations open for pregnant women and children
  • From 1 October – vaccinations open for all other eligible adult groups
  • By 30 November – the NHS aims to have vaccinated the vast majority of eligible people
  • Until 31 March 2027 – you can still be vaccinated if you’re eligible and haven’t yet come forward

Locations offering this service

Example Pharmacy 1

Fir Park Medical Centre,
Lanark Gardens, Widnes
WA8 9DT

Monday
09:00 – 18:00
Tuesday
09:00 – 18:00
Wednesday
09:00 – 18:00
Thursday
09:00 – 18:00
Friday
09:00 – 18:00
Saturday
09:00 – 18:00
Sunday
09:00 – 18:00
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