Free Flu Jabs Now Available At Tesco, Are You Eligible?

Choosing a Tesco Pharmacy for your flu jab

We will be offering the free NHS flu jab in our pharmacies. If you’re not eligible for an NHS jab, our £13 flu jab service is available to anyone aged 12 years and over.*

We provide a simple, convenient and safe in-store service via our pharmacy consultation rooms. Your flu jab will be given by a Tesco Pharmacist.

Customers in Wales and Scotland

Our pharmacies in Wales will be providing NHS flu jabs, but the timing of this service being available through community pharmacies may vary by location. Please contact your nearest Tesco Pharmacy in Wales for more information.

Our pharmacies in Scotland may provide the free NHS flu jab, dependant on the eligibility groups defined by the local health board. Please contact your nearest Tesco Pharmacy in Scotland for more information.

Check if you're eligible for a free NHS flu jab

You’ll qualify for a free NHS flu jab in England and Wales if you:

- are pregnant

- are aged over 18 with certain long-term health conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, COPD, a heart condition, kidney or liver disease, or a neurological condition such as Parkinson's disease)

- are a frontline worker in a social care setting without an employer-led occupational health scheme

- live in long-stay residential care

- are a carer (you may be receiving Carer’s Allowance, or be the main carer for someone elderly or disabled)

- are severely overweight

- have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition, medication or treatment (or if you are in close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system).

Frequently asked questions

How does coronavirus (COVID-19) impact flu and flu vaccinations?

If you've had COVID-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It will be effective at helping to prevent flu. Flu vaccination is important because:

- if you're at higher risk from coronavirus, you're also more at risk of problems from flu

- if you get flu and coronavirus at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill

- it'll help to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with coronavirus.

What precautions is Tesco taking as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Your flu jab will be given in a cleaned consultation room. If requested, we'll provide you with a free surgical face covering. Hand sanitiser will also be provided.

Should I get vaccinated against flu every winter?

Yes. Every flu season, there are different strains of flu virus circulating. The protection from last year’s flu jab also gradually decreases over time. The best way to protect yourself from flu is to have a flu jab every year.

Why do I need to answer questions when making my flu jab appointment?

We want to make your flu jab with Tesco a simple, safe and convenient process. By asking you these questions now, we can check your suitability for a flu jab and minimise any further questions or paperwork when you arrive for your appointment.

How long will my appointment take?

Your appointment will take approximately 10 minutes.

Why should I have a flu jab?

Flu can cause nausea, fever, aches and pains, coughs, and a stuffy nose. You may end up in bed for several days, affecting your work schedule, family life and social commitments. People in vulnerable groups are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. For busy workers, parents or carers, a flu jab can help limit any interruption to your routine or days off work. It also helps you reduce the risk of catching flu and therefore passing it on to older or more vulnerable family members.

Can I catch flu from the flu jab?

No. The vaccine contains inactivated particles that can’t cause flu. Any mild flu-like symptoms that you may experience are the normal response of the body’s immune system to a vaccination. Most people do not experience these symptoms.

What are the most common side effects?

You may experience some skin redness and swelling where you’ve had your vaccination. This may feel hard when you touch it. This will disappear with time. Less commonly, a mild temperature and aching symptoms may occur as a result of the immune system responding to the vaccine. This can last for up to 48 hours after the vaccination and is not considered unusual. If this happens, make sure you drink plenty of water. You may also feel more tired than usual, but this shouldn’t last for more than a couple of days.

Are there any other side effects?

More serious reactions are very rare. However, if you experience any trouble breathing or swallowing; swelling of the lips, eyes, tongue or throat; develop abdominal cramps, a repetitive cough or rash; or notice that your skin is becoming clammy, flushed or swollen, you should ask someone to dial 999 and explain that you’ve recently had a flu vaccination.