Stay protected this flu season – Superdrug & Asda lead way with affordable jabs

As flu season approaches, it’s important to stay protected, especially with the variety of affordable and accessible flu jab options available across the UK. Whether you qualify for a free NHS vaccine or need a private jab, here’s what you need to know.

Are you eligible for a free NHS flu jab?

The NHS offers free flu jabs to specific groups at higher risk from flu complications. You qualify for a free flu jab if any of the following apply:

• You are 65 or older
• You live in a long-stay care facility or residential care
• You receive Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for someone elderly or disabled
• You live with someone who is immunocompromised or on the NHS shielded patient list
• You are pregnant
• You are under 65 and have certain health conditions
• You are a frontline health or social care worker

You can book your free flu jab at a GP surgery, community pharmacy, or online through the NHS App. Using the NHS service, you can check if you need an appointment, book, change, or cancel as needed.

When to get vaccinated

The best time for adults to get vaccinated is during October and November to ensure maximum protection throughout the flu season. For pregnant individuals, it’s recommended to get vaccinated as early as September to maximise health benefits for both mother and baby. Even if you miss these months, getting the jab later in the season can still be beneficial.

Private flu jab prices at chemists and supermarkets

For those who aren’t eligible for a free NHS jab, several chemists and supermarkets offer affordable options – I’ve booked mine in already at Superdrug as it’s leading the way on prices:

• Superdrug
  • £9.95 for Superdrug Health & Beauty cardholders
  • £19.95 for non-members
  • Locations: Over 800 stores across the UK, primarily in shopping centres and high streets. Find stores here.
• Asda
  • £13 (up £1 from last year)
  • Locations: Around 1,100 stores, many of which have pharmacies. Find your nearest Asda here.
• Tesco
  • £16 per shot (up £3 from last year)
  • Locations: Over 360 pharmacies, mostly in larger Tesco stores. Locate one near you here.
• Morrisons
  • £12 for Morrisons More cardholders
  • £15 for non-members (up from £12 last year)
  • Locations: Nearly 500 Morrisons stores with in-store pharmacies. Find your local Morrisons here.
• Boots
  • £21.95 (up £2 from last year, the highest among large pharmacy chains)
  • Locations: Over 2,300 locations throughout the UK. Locate your nearest Boots here.
• Rowlands Pharmacy
  • £17.99 (up £1 from last year)
  • Locations: Over 400 locations across England, Scotland, and Wales. Find a Rowlands Pharmacy here.
• Well Pharmacy
  • £17.99 (no increase from last year)
  • Locations: More than 750 locations across the UK, usually in local communities. Locate a Well Pharmacy here.

Whether you qualify for a free NHS flu jab or need to pay for a private one, Superdrug and Asda offer some of the best prices this season. For those not eligible for a free jab, Superdrug’s loyalty cardholder price of £9.95 is particularly appealing, while Asda offers affordability at £13. Find a location near you and aim to get vaccinated in October or November to maximise your flu protection this season.