How to get a flu vaccine before Christmas

With Christmas approaching, a particularly infectious flu strain, H3N2 “subclade K,” is causing significant pressure on the NHS. This mutated form of the seasonal influenza A virus, sometimes called a “superflu,” is one to which people may have less immunity.

If you're thinking about getting a flu vaccine to protect yourself or vulnerable family members during the holidays, it's important to act quickly. The jab takes 10 to 14 days to become fully effective.

Hospitalizations due to the flu are currently at their highest level for this time of year, and health officials anticipate continued increases. Last week saw a 50 percent rise in cases, with an average of 2,660 patients hospitalized daily. Health authorities recommend wearing masks in public spaces, and some schools have closed due to outbreaks, particularly among children aged five to 14.

Dr. Simon Clarke, an associate professor at the University of Reading, notes that H3 viruses are not common causes of flu seasons, making the population more susceptible. This increases the potential impact of vaccination.

While influenza H3N2 is a new variant, it presents with typical flu symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues.

Here's what you need to know about getting a flu vaccine, including who is eligible for a free NHS jab and what other options are available.

**Who is eligible for a free flu vaccine?**

The NHS urges all eligible individuals to get a free flu jab, available at high street pharmacies and GP surgeries. Dr. Clarke advises that those who qualify can book appointments through their GP or the NHS app and website.

The following groups are eligible for a free flu vaccine:

• People aged 65 or over (including those turning 65 by March 31, 2026)
• Individuals with certain long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and liver cirrhosis
• Anyone with a BMI of 40 or higher
• Pregnant women
• Residents of care homes
• Main carers for older or disabled individuals, or those receiving a carer’s allowance
• People with learning disabilities
• Individuals living with someone who has a weakened immune system

The NHS also provides the vaccine to schoolchildren, usually as a nasal spray. Frontline health and social care workers can access it through their employers. For adults, the vaccine is given as an injection.

**Can I pay for a flu jab, and how much does it cost?**

If you don't qualify for a free NHS flu jab, you can still pay for one. According to Dr. Clarke, the price typically averages around £20.

**Where can I get a flu jab?**

Many high street and supermarket pharmacies, including chains like Boots and Superdrug, offer the flu jab to anyone medically fit to receive it. Appointments can be booked online or through walk-in clinics, according to Dr. Clarke.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Dr. Clarke cautions that pharmacy stocks of the vaccine are expected to decrease. Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, noted a significant increase in people seeking vaccines but advised the public not to panic.

She stated that independent pharmacies nationwide are reporting a surge in inquiries about flu vaccinations and treatment, urging people not to delay getting protected. Community pharmacies have stocks of both adult and child flu vaccines.

Nick Thayer, head of policy for the Company Chemists Association, echoed this message, stating that while there is no national shortage of flu vaccines, supplies may be limited in some locations by December, as the bulk of vaccinations occur in October and November.

Therefore, it may be necessary to check with multiple locations to find a vaccine. Thayer recommends checking pharmacy websites, the NHS website (if eligible for a free jab), or contacting local pharmacies directly.

If you cannot get vaccinated before Christmas, focus on basic preventative measures, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, staying home when sick, and isolating within families when possible.

**How effective is the flu vaccine?**

The flu jab remains a valuable protective measure, says Dr. Clarke. It is considered safe, and maximum protection typically occurs within 10 to 14 days. While breakthrough infections are possible, they are likely to be milder and shorter in duration.

The NHS notes that protection from the flu vaccine decreases over time, and the strains it protects against are updated annually. Therefore, staying up to date with vaccinations is crucial.

Although this year’s dominant strain is a mutated version of the influenza A virus, current data indicates that the flu vaccine still offers good protection. The UK Health Security Agency found the vaccine to be 70 to 75 percent effective in preventing hospital attendance in children aged 2 to 17, and 30 to 40 percent effective in adults. These figures align with the effectiveness seen in previous flu seasons.

Almost 17 million vaccines have been administered this autumn, 350,000 more than at this time last year. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Dr. Clarke encourages more people to get vaccinated. The latest National Flu and Covid-19 Surveillance Report reveals that only 70.9 percent of over-65s have received their flu jab this season, with rates significantly lower among eligible under-65s, at around 35 percent. Dr. Clarke emphasizes the positive impact wider vaccination coverage could have.