Vitalis Health are here to Help protect you and your loved ones this winter.

Even when we feel fit and healthy, we can still catch the flu. That’s why having your flu vaccination is so important. Not just for you, but the wider community too.

If you are an adult and you are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, you can still protect yourself with a private flu vaccine provided by Vitalis Health for only £25.

Price £25

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get the flu vaccine at Vitalis Health, Belfast?

Every year, flu vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Flu vaccination also is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. For example flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among in people with heart disease.

While flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions

  • more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill.

Not everyone is offered the flu vaccine from the NHS therefore our service in Howard Street Private GP is important, you can book privately even if you are not eligible for the vaccine in the NHS.

Who is eligible for the free NHS vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

  • are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)

  • have certain health conditions

  • are pregnant

  • are in long-stay residential care

  • receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick

  • live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

  • are frontline health workers

  • are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work

Starting from mid-October, people aged 50 years old or over (including those who will be 50 years old by 31 March 2023) can have a free NHS flu vaccine. This is so at-risk groups can be offered vaccination first.

If you are not eligible for the flu vaccine from the NHS therefore our service in Howard Street Private GP is important, you can book privately even if you are not eligible for the vaccine in the NHS.

Are there side effects from the flu vaccine?

Like any medical product, vaccines can cause side effects. Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days. Common side effects from the flu shot include:

  • Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot.

  • Headache.

  • Fever.

  • Nausea.

  • Muscle aches.

Will I be safe if I get the flu vaccine in Vitalis Health private GP in Belfast?

Flu vaccines have a good safety record. Hundreds of millions of people have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines. A flu vaccine is the first and best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others.

Are there some people who should not receive a flu vaccine?

Individuals who can’t get the flu shot include:

  • Children younger than 6 months, since they are too young to get a flu shot.

  • Individuals with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient(s) in the vaccine.

Individuals should talk with their doctor before getting the flu shot if they:

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Vaccination gives the best protection against flu.

Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses, although there's still a chance you might get flu.

If you do get flu after your vaccination at Vitalis Health, it's likely to be milder and not last as long.

Having a flu vaccine may help stop you spreading flu to other people who could be more at risk of serious problems from flu.

It can take 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to work.