I NEED A FREE NHS FLU VACCINATION
I NEED A PRIVATE FLU VACCINATION
I NEED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FLU
PROTECT AGAINST FLU THIS WINTER
Flu can make you feel seriously unwell and, for some people, can lead to complications that require medical treatment.
Having a flu vaccination each year can help reduce your risk of becoming ill and can also lessen the severity of infection if you do catch flu. Dears Pharmacy provides both NHS and private flu vaccinations across selected locations. The way you book depends on whether you are eligible for an NHS vaccination and which NHS Health Board you live in. You can also choose from a range of private vaccination options if you are not eligible for NHS vaccination or would prefer to arrange your vaccination privately.
NHS FLU VACCINATIONS
If you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, the way you book depends on your NHS Health Board.
NHS Fife, NHS Lothian and NHS Tayside
If you live within NHS Fife, NHS Lothian or NHS Tayside, your NHS Health Board will contact you directly if you are eligible for a flu vaccination.
You will receive an invitation by letter or email explaining how to arrange your vaccination.
You do not need to book your NHS vaccination through the Dears Pharmacy website.
Follow the booking instructions provided by your NHS Health Board. If you are given the option to choose where you receive your vaccination, please select a Dears Pharmacy location that is convenient for you.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
If you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination through NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, you can book your vaccination directly with Dears Pharmacy.
NHS flu vaccinations for this area will be provided at: Dears Pharmacy Newton Mearns, 124 Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 6EG.
Available appointments will display in the booking system when the service commences. Use the booking form below to choose an available appointment.
Who is eligible for an NHS flu vaccination?
The NHS flu vaccination is offered free of charge to people who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. Eligibility includes certain age groups, people with particular health conditions and other priority groups.
NHS Scotland will contact you if you are eligible for a flu vaccination this winter. Full eligibility criteria for the 2026/27 programme will be published shortly.
PRIVATE FLU VACCINATIONS
If you are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, you can arrange a private flu vaccination with Dears Pharmacy. You can pay for the vaccination yourself or use an employer-funded flu vaccination voucher, where accepted. Private flu vaccinations are available across our Central Scotland locations including Fife, Glasgow and Clyde, Lothian and Tayside.
Appointments can be booked below. There are four options available.
Flu Vaccination
Our standard private flu vaccination provides protection against the influenza viruses expected to circulate during the coming flu season.
Flu vaccines are updated regularly as circulating strains change. Having your vaccination each year helps reduce your risk of flu and, if you do become infected, can reduce the likelihood of serious illness.
A private flu vaccination can be a good option if you are not eligible for an NHS vaccination, want to arrange your vaccination at a convenient time, or would simply like the reassurance of additional protection during the winter months. Your healthcare professional will check that the vaccination is suitable for you before it is given and can answer any questions you may have.
Flu and COVID Vaccination
You can choose to receive private flu and COVID-19 vaccinations during the same appointment, where both vaccinations are clinically appropriate for you.
Flu and COVID-19 are different respiratory infections and require different vaccines. Receiving both at the same visit provides a convenient way to increase your protection against both illnesses ahead of winter.
Our healthcare professional will check that both vaccinations are suitable for you before they are given.
Flu and PNEUMONIA Vaccination
You can also book a private flu vaccination together with a pneumococcal vaccination during the same appointment, where clinically appropriate.
The flu vaccine protects against influenza. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause serious infections including pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
Receiving the two vaccinations together can be a convenient way to protect yourself against both influenza and pneumococcal disease.
Our healthcare professional will check whether both vaccinations are suitable for you before vaccination.
Flu, Covid and PNEUMONIA Vaccination
You can also book a private flu vaccination together with COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccinations during the same appointment, where clinically appropriate.
The flu vaccine protects against influenza, while the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against serious illness caused by COVID-19. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause serious infections including pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
Receiving all three vaccinations during one appointment can be a convenient way to strengthen your protection against several important respiratory infections.
Our healthcare professional will check your vaccination history and make sure each vaccination is suitable for you before proceeding.
BOOK A PRIVATE FLU VACCINATION
ABOUT FLU AND FLU VACCINATIONS
WHAT IS FLU?
Flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes and through contact with contaminated hands and surfaces. Flu usually develops more suddenly than a common cold and can make you feel significantly more unwell.
Common symptoms can include:
- a high temperature or fever
- headache
- aching muscles
- tiredness and weakness
- a dry cough
- sore throat
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
Most people recover from flu without treatment, but it can cause serious illness and complications in some people.
Why have a flu vaccination?
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk from flu. The viruses responsible for seasonal flu can change over time, which is why flu vaccines are reviewed and offered each year.
Vaccination can:
- reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill with flu
- reduce the severity of illness if you do become infected
- help protect people who are particularly vulnerable to complications from flu
- reduce the likelihood of flu disrupting your work, family life and other commitments
It usually takes around two weeks after vaccination for your immune response to develop, so it is useful to be vaccinated before flu begins circulating widely.
FLU SUPPORT TIPS
- Get vaccinated — annual vaccination is the best way to reduce your risk of serious flu.
- Wash your hands regularly — especially after coughing, sneezing or being in busy public places.
- Cover coughs and sneezes — use a tissue where possible and dispose of it straight away.
- Stay home if you’re unwell — reducing close contact with others helps limit the spread of flu.
FLU PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Vaccination is an important way to protect yourself against flu, alongside everyday measures such as regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding close contact with other people when you are unwell.
Dears Pharmacy also provides a Flu Prevention Tablet Treatment Consultation for people who may require antiviral treatment to help prevent or treat influenza.
This is a separate clinical service and treatment is only supplied where it is appropriate following an assessment by a healthcare professional.
FLU FAQs
Am I eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?
NHS flu vaccination eligibility is determined by NHS Scotland and can change between vaccination programmes. If you are eligible, your NHS Health Board should contact you with information about receiving your vaccination.
How do I book my NHS flu vaccination?
If you live within NHS Fife, NHS Lothian or NHS Tayside, please follow the booking instructions sent to you by your NHS Health Board. If you are given a choice of vaccination locations, you can choose a participating Dears Pharmacy.
If you are receiving your NHS flu vaccination through NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, you can book directly through this page for vaccination at Dears Pharmacy Newton Mearns.
What if I am not eligible for an NHS flu vaccination?
You can book a private flu vaccination with Dears Pharmacy. A charge applies and you can pay privately or use an eligible employer-funded vaccination voucher.
Can I have my flu and COVID-19 vaccinations together?
Yes. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given during the same appointment where they are both clinically appropriate for you.
We offer a combined Flu + COVID-19 Vaccination appointment for private patients.
Can I have my flu and pneumonia vaccinations together?
Yes. Flu and pneumococcal vaccines can be given during the same appointment where clinically appropriate.
We describe this service as Flu + Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccination, as the pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal infections that can cause pneumonia as well as other serious illnesses.
Do I need a flu vaccination every year?
A flu vaccination is normally recommended each flu season because circulating flu viruses can change and protection from previous vaccination decreases over time.
How long does the flu vaccine take to work?
It generally takes around two weeks for your immune response to develop following a flu vaccination.
Are there side effects from the flu vaccination?
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. You may experience soreness around the injection site, headache, aching muscles, tiredness or a mild temperature.
Your healthcare professional will check that vaccination is appropriate for you before giving the vaccine and can answer any questions you have.
Can I have a flu vaccination if I am pregnant?
Flu vaccination is recommended during pregnancy because pregnancy can increase the risk of becoming seriously unwell with flu.
If you are eligible for an NHS vaccination, follow the information provided by your NHS Health Board.
I NEED A COVID VACCINATION
I NEED A PNEUMONIA VACCINATION
I NEED AN RSV VACCINATION
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