Cheapest flu jab cost 2021 and how to get a free flu jab

How much does a flu jab cost? We share how to get a cheap vaccine this winter and how you can get the flu jab for free.

Millions of people can get the flu vaccine for free this year to help protect so many from getting a flu virus this winter.

As well as protecting you, the vaccine can stop you from spreading flu to others.

Even if you cannot get a free flu jab, you can pay. Don’t overpay, though, as flu jab costs can vary, so we take a look at where you can get the same jab elsewhere and save money.

How to get a flu jab for free

Millionions of people can get a flu jab for free in 2021 – this is millions more than 2019.

There are lots of different people who can get a free NHS flu vaccine for free (England and Wales).

People eligible for a free flu vaccine if you are:

• aged 6 months to under 50 years in clinical risk groups
• pregnant women
• those aged 50 years and over
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline health and social care staff employed by:a registered residential care or nursing home
• registered domiciliary care provider
• a voluntary managed hospice provider
• Direct Payment (personal budgets) and/or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants.

Once the flu vaccines are underway, people over the age of 50 will also be offered a free flu jab. This is the same as 2020 (but over 50s may not get it for free the following year, it is currently a temporary measure).

All children from aged 2 to 15 on 31 August 2021 will also be offered a flu jab.

Some employers are offering flu jabs to their employees for free. Check with your HR department if this is something they do.

Your GP or midwife may offer you an appointment at their surgery, and the NHS is contacting people directly about where to go to get the vaccine.

However, you don’t need a referral from your GP or your GP’s permission to get a free flu jab in a pharmacy.

If you are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, you can pay for a private flu vaccine. 

Flu jab cost

For an NHS flu jab, you usually need to be over 18, but if you choose to get a jab privately, you need to be over 16 (18+ in Northern Ireland).

The cost of a flu jab can vary from place to place – which is strange as it’ll take the same 15 minutes and you’ll be getting the same vaccination.

The best time to get a vaccine is from the beginning of October to early November, but many places offer vaccinations until March to cover the full winter season.

Cheapest flu jab

If you have to pay, the flu jab cost doesn’t need to be something to worry about.

There is high demand this year, so you need to factor in the fee you pay and how long you’d need to wait to get one.

Although you can try for a walk-in appointment, with things being busier, it may be best to book or call ahead, so you don’t waste a trip. 

Here are the supermarkets and pharmacies where you can find a cheap flu jab.

You can always check with your local, independent pharmacy as they may be able to offer the vaccine at a good price too.

Asda flu jab cost

You can book a free NHS flu jab with Asda, and they also have private flu jabs available for £8. This is the joint cheapest option if you are not eligible for a free vaccine.

You can find your local Asda Pharmacy here, and you can call to book directly with the store.

Many of their pharmacies are open 7 days a week, including late evenings and bank holidays.

Morrisons flu jab cost

A private Morrisons flu jab will cost you £8. Again this is the cheapest flu jab price alongside Asda.

You need to book your flu jab with a Morrisons Pharmacy directly.

Find your local store and their opening hours here.

Tesco flu jab cost

The Tesco flu jab costs £9 and they are offering it to people over the age of 12. Considering under 16s can get it for free, it’s better to save your cash.

Appointments fill up fast and Tesco usually offers the flu jab until 31 March 2021.

If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can still book an appointment online.

Day Lewis Pharmacy flu jab

Day Lewis Pharmacy offers the flu jab as a walk-in service.

A private flue jab will cost £12.

It’s best to call your local pharmacy as there are set times and days available for walk-ins.

Boots flu jab cost

The Boots Private Winter Flu Jab service is available for people over the ages of 16 in most Boots pharmacies.

Selected stores also offer the vaccine for children aged 12 to 15. Rather than booking online, you need to call the store to book an appointment for children.

The cost of the flu jab with Boots is £14.99 (up from £13.99 in 2020), and you can collect 4 Boots Advantage Card Points for every £1 you spend.

Use the Boots promo code FLUTWO at the checkout and you’ll save £2. The code is valid for bookings made and paid for online before 30 March 2022.

Lloyds Pharmacy flu jab cost

Flu vaccines with Lloyds Pharmacy cost £14.99 (was £12.99 in 2020) and are available for anyone over the age of 18.

You’re able to book online or can visit your local pharmacy.

Be sure to call the pharmacy first to avoid a wasted journey, just in case they are out of stock.

Superdrug flu jab cost

Superdrug is offering the flu jab at stores with a pharmacy for £13.99 (was £12.99 last year).

The service officially launches on 14 September so you cannot book before then.

When it’s up and running, you can walk into your local pharmacy or give them a call to book an appointment, or you can book for a vaccine online.

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