Get your Flu Jab with Your Co-op Pharmacy

As we move into Autumn, Your Co-op Pharmacy team are hosting a dedicated flu jab vaccination clinic for all colleagues to stay well this winter. Hear from Raj Patel, Healthcare Development Manager and Superintendent Pharmacist who explains a little more about flu and how you can protect yourself by having a flu jab this winter.

What is flu?

Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it’s sometimes called seasonal flu. It’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat. A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold. The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within 2 to 7 days but, for some, the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

How does flu spread?

Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs. And because it’s caused by viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.

How can I protect myself from flu?

The flu vaccine (flu jab) provides the best protection available against a virus that can cause severe illness. The most likely viruses that will cause flu are identified in advance of the flu season and vaccines are then made to match them as closely as possible. The vaccines are given in the autumn ideally before flu starts circulating. During the last 10 years, the vaccine has generally been a good match for the circulating strains. Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu virus circulating.

Where can I get a flu jab from?

Your Co-op Pharmacy are committed to protecting colleagues by offering a flu vaccination service that is convenient and hassle-free. Like in previous years, the healthcare team will be on the road to vaccinate as many colleagues that would like a flu jab this year to stay well this winter. FREE NHS flu jabs are available for colleagues that meet the NHS eligibility criteria along with paid jabs at an exclusive colleague price of £8 (£14 for non-colleagues and non-members).

How do I book my flu jab?  

Booking your flu jab is simple, visit our website here or book an appointment for a clinic that suits you below. Don’t worry, if there isn’t a clinic near you then contact our pharmacy team on 01902 357660 or email them at healthcare.customerservices@midcounties.coop  with your name, location and contact details and we will try our best to come to a location near you.