Flu Vaccinations in Crewe
A quick annual jab that helps protect you against seasonal flu — whether you are heading into a Cheshire winter or flying somewhere the flu season is in full swing. Given by NHS-trained clinicians at our GPhC-registered pharmacy, often at the same appointment as your travel vaccines.
Why have a flu jab?
Flu is not just a heavy cold. It tends to arrive suddenly — fever, aching muscles, exhaustion, a dry cough — and can leave you flat on your back for a week or more. For older adults, pregnant women and people with long-term conditions, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.
Because flu viruses change from year to year, the vaccine is updated every season to match the strains expected to circulate. That is why a single dose each year — ideally in autumn, before the UK flu season — is the recommended way to stay protected. Protection typically builds over the following two weeks.
At Crewe Travel Clinic, a GPhC-registered pharmacy (reg 1029608), your flu jab is given by NHS-trained clinicians in a quick, friendly appointment — no GP visit needed.
Why travellers think about flu all year round
The UK flu season runs through winter, roughly October to March — but in the southern hemisphere it runs from around April to September, and in the tropics flu circulates all year. Travelling “out of season” at home does not mean you are out of season where you are going.
Flights and airports
Long-haul flights and busy terminals put you shoulder to shoulder with travellers from every corner of the world — ideal conditions for respiratory infections like flu to spread.
Cruises and group tours
Living, dining and socialising in close quarters for days or weeks makes flu outbreaks on cruise ships and coach tours well recognised. A jab before you sail is a sensible precaution.
Crowded events and pilgrimage
Festivals, conferences, sporting events and mass gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah bring huge crowds together — and flu travels with them, whatever the season.
Off on a cruise? Read our cruise travel health guide — or check what else your destination calls for with our vaccine checker.
Who should consider a flu jab?
Anyone who wants to lower their risk of catching and spreading flu can have one. In line with NHS guidance, it is particularly worth considering if you are in a group more likely to be seriously unwell with flu.
Especially recommended for
- Adults aged 65 and over.
- People with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart, lung, liver or kidney disease.
- Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy — see our vaccinations in pregnancy guide.
- Carers, and anyone who lives with someone vulnerable to flu.
Also popular with
- Travellers, cruise passengers and pilgrims heading into crowds or a different flu season.
- Public-facing and frontline workers who meet a lot of people every day.
- Anyone with a wedding, holiday or busy period they simply cannot afford to spend ill in bed.
In an NHS-eligible group? You may be able to have a free NHS flu jab — ask us and we will point you in the right direction.
Easy to fit around your travel vaccines
Same appointment as your travel jabs
The flu vaccine can usually be given alongside travel vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid or yellow fever, so one visit covers everything. We will confirm what is suitable for you at your consultation.
Timed around your plans
Ideally have your jab about two weeks before travel so protection has time to build. Booking a pre-travel consultation? We will simply add the flu jab to the same visit.
What it costs
One simple price for your annual flu jab, given by an NHS-trained clinician. See how it compares on our vaccine prices page.
£20
single annual dose
Frequently asked questions
When should I have my flu jab?
For most people in the UK, the ideal time is autumn — before the winter flu season gets going. A single dose is given each year, because the vaccine is updated annually to match the strains expected to circulate. If you are travelling, the best timing can be different: flu circulates from roughly April to September in the southern hemisphere and all year round in the tropics, so we will advise on timing at your consultation.
Why would a traveller need a flu jab?
Flu is one of the most common infections travellers pick up. Busy airports, long flights, cruise ships, group tours and crowded events all put you in close contact with people from around the world — and because flu seasons differ between hemispheres, you can meet flu at any time of year. A flu jab before you go is a simple way to reduce the risk of losing days of your trip to illness.
Can I have the flu vaccine at the same time as my travel vaccines?
Usually, yes. The flu jab can typically be given at the same appointment as travel vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid or yellow fever, which saves you a separate visit. Our NHS-trained clinicians will confirm what is suitable for you at your consultation.
Who should consider a flu jab?
Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of catching and spreading flu can have one. NHS guidance particularly recommends flu vaccination for adults aged 65 and over, people with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, pregnant women, and carers or those who live with someone vulnerable. If you are in an NHS-eligible group you may be able to have a free flu jab — ask us and we will point you in the right direction.
How much does the flu jab cost?
Our private flu vaccination costs £20 for the single annual dose, given by an NHS-trained clinician at our GPhC-registered pharmacy (reg 1029608). You can compare all our vaccine prices on the vaccine prices page.
Are there any side effects?
Most side effects are mild and settle within a day or two — typically a sore arm where the injection was given, mild aches or a slightly raised temperature. The flu jab cannot give you flu: the vaccines we use do not contain live flu virus. Serious reactions are very rare, and we will check for any allergies or other considerations before you are vaccinated.
How long does protection last?
Protection builds over about two weeks and lasts for the duration of that flu season. Because the circulating strains change and immunity gradually wanes, a new dose is recommended every year — which is why the flu jab is an annual vaccination rather than a one-off.
Don’t let flu spoil your winter — or your trip
Book your £20 flu jab online, or call us and we will fit it around your travel vaccinations.