Private Flu Jab 2026: Cost, Eligibility & When to Book in Preston
The private flu jab is an option for people who cannot access the free NHS flu vaccine, or who would like to get their vaccination privately. The NHS flu vaccine programme is aimed at selected groups, such as people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions.
According to the National flu immunisation programme 2026 to 2027, most eligible adults will be able to get the NHS flu vaccine from 1 October 2026, while pregnant women can be vaccinated from 1 September.
If you are looking for a private vaccination clinic in Preston, you can book a private flu jab in Preston at My Private Clinic. This guide explains who can get the NHS flu jab, private flu jab costs, vaccine options, possible side effects and when to book a private appointment.
What Is Flu?
Flu (influenza) is an infectious disease caused by viruses that usually attack the nose, throat and lungs. It causes symptoms such as fever, coughing, a sore throat, headache, tiredness and body aches. Most people recover within days or weeks, but influenza sometimes leads to more serious problems.
Vaccination lowers the likelihood of getting influenza and of experiencing its more severe effects. This is particularly important for people at greater risk of complications, such as:
- Older people
- Pregnant women
- Infants
- People with some long-term (chronic) diseases
- People with a weakened immune system
What Causes Colds and Flu?
In the vast majority of cases, colds, flu and chest infections are viral illnesses that pass very easily from one person to another. Some important things to know:
- Colds, flu and chest infections are viral illnesses
- They spread easily through coughing, sneezing and touching
- A cold usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, while flu can leave you feeling tired for longer
- Sometimes a viral illness can lead to a bacterial infection that may need treatment
- Chest infections can be contagious, depending on what is causing them
If you find yourself getting ill often or feel run down all the time, a private Full Health MOT can help work out what is going on with your health.
Cold vs flu: how to tell the difference
Although the two illnesses are similar, several things can help you tell the common cold and flu apart.
| Common cold | Flu |
|---|---|
| Runny or blocked nose and sneezing | High fever with shivers |
| Painful, sore throat | Headache and aching muscles all over the body |
| Dry, tickly cough | Tiredness and exhaustion |
| You feel unwell but can still function | You feel too ill to carry on as usual |
If you suspect your symptoms might be caused by an allergy rather than a cold, Dr Faizal can arrange allergy testing for you.
Who Can Get a Flu Jab?
Flu vaccination is safe for most people, although some groups need it more than others, including:
- Anyone aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women (the flu jab during pregnancy is recommended)
- People with certain long-term health conditions
- People with a weakened immune system
- Children in eligible age groups
- People living in care homes
- Carers of older or disabled people
Some people qualify for the free NHS flu jab, while those who do not meet the NHS eligibility criteria can choose to have a private flu jab.
Who Is Eligible for the NHS Flu Jab in 2026/27?
In the 2026/27 season in England, the NHS offers a free flu vaccine to the following groups.
From 1 September 2026:
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 and 3 (on 31 August 2026)
- School-aged children, from reception to year 11
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 years in clinical risk groups
From 1 October 2026:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Adults aged 18 to under 65 with an underlying health condition
- Residents of long-stay care homes
- Carers
- Close contacts of people with a severely weakened immune system
- Frontline health and social care workers
What’s in the 2026/27 Flu Vaccine?
According to the national flu immunisation programme letter for 2026 to 2027, all the recommended flu vaccines in the UK for this season are trivalent, which means they protect against three influenza viruses:
- Two influenza A viruses
- One influenza B virus
The flu vaccine composition for 2026/27 has changed from last season. The H3N2 component has been updated in line with the strains now circulating, including the H3N2 subclade K strain that was common during the 2025/26 season.
Different types of vaccine are used depending on your age and other factors, including cell-based, recombinant, adjuvanted and high-dose vaccines.
NHS Flu Jab vs Private Flu Jab
The NHS flu vaccine is free if you meet the NHS criteria. In the 2026/27 season, eligible adults include people aged 65 and over, adults aged 18 to 64 with a qualifying medical condition, pregnant women, and others.
If you do not meet the NHS criteria, or would simply prefer to get your flu jab privately, a private vaccination clinic may be the right option for you.
| Criteria | NHS flu jab | Private flu jab |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Groups eligible for the NHS vaccine | Can be obtained privately, subject to clinical suitability |
| Cost | Free if eligible | Chargeable in a private setting |
| Booking | Organised by an NHS vaccine provider | Book directly with the private provider |
| Vaccine selection | Based on the NHS vaccination programme | Depends on the type of vaccine the provider offers |
How Much Does a Private Flu Jab Cost in Preston?
The price of a flu vaccination depends on the provider, and different types of vaccine are available at different costs. Unlike the NHS programme, a private flu jab is not free.
The benefit of a private flu vaccination is convenience: you can get a private flu jab in Preston promptly, on your own timeline and to suit your health needs. Contact My Private Clinic to check the current price and availability of private flu jabs this season.
If you are currently unwell with a cold, flu or chest infection, you can book a same-day GP appointment online (appointments start from £69). Dr Faizal will discuss your symptoms, examine you and assess whether you have a viral illness, a bacterial chest infection or something else, before starting the most appropriate treatment.
See our full pricing page for all appointment fees.
When Should You Book Your Flu Jab?
It is best to be vaccinated before flu becomes widespread, because your body needs time to build immunity. Most eligible adults in England will be vaccinated by the NHS from 1 October 2026 in the 2026/27 season.
How long does the flu jab take to work?
Immunity develops within about two weeks of having the vaccine. If you decide to be vaccinated privately, it is a good idea to book at the start of the flu vaccination season so that you are protected through the winter.
Flu Vaccine Side Effects and Safety
The flu jab is considered safe, and side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Common side effects include pain, tenderness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, a mild fever and aching muscles.
Does the flu vaccine make you sick?
You cannot get flu from the flu jab. Inactivated flu vaccines do not contain live viruses, and the nasal spray flu vaccine for children contains weakened (attenuated) viruses that cannot cause flu.
Flu vaccination during pregnancy
The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and can be given at any stage of pregnancy. It protects the mother from flu and also helps protect the baby after birth, through antibodies passed on from the mother.
Flu vaccination and egg allergy
Having an egg allergy does not usually stop you from having a flu vaccine, and some flu vaccines are made without eggs. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs, or any reaction to a previous flu vaccine, tell Dr Faizal before your appointment so he can advise on the most suitable option, or whether you should be vaccinated in a specialist setting.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Most people recover from flu without any difficulty, but it is best to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or you are worried about your health.
You may also want to speak to a doctor before vaccination if you:
- Have had a reaction to a flu vaccine before
- Have a severe allergy
- Take any medicines that might affect vaccination
- Are unsure whether you can have the flu vaccine
If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden confusion or you are coughing up blood, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
How to Book a Private Flu Jab in Preston
If you would like to book a private flu jab in Preston, My Private Clinic offers same-day GP appointments. You do not need an NHS referral to book a private vaccination.
Before you receive the vaccine, our GP will take your medical history to make sure the vaccine is right for you.
What Happens During a Private Flu Jab Appointment?
Your appointment at My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston, involves:
- Health assessment. The GP asks about your health, allergies, medicines and vaccination history to make sure you can safely have the flu vaccine.
- Flu vaccine. The vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm at our private vaccination clinic in Preston.
- Aftercare advice. You are told about possible side effects and what to do if you experience any after your appointment.
- Back to your day. You should be able to carry on with your normal routine straight after the appointment.
The vaccination itself only takes a few minutes, but your appointment may last a little longer so there is time for the health assessment and your questions. If you have allergy symptoms or want reliable information about allergy testing, read our guide to private allergy testing near me in Preston.
Related Services at My Private Clinic
Many patients who book a private GP consultation in Preston also use the following services, at the same appointment or as a follow-up:
- Private blood tests in Preston, including full blood panels, hormone profiles and thyroid function, with results discussed in the same appointment.
- Same-day sick notes: fit notes are issued during your consultation at no additional charge.
- Women’s health GP Preston, including menopause, HRT, contraception and cervical health.
- Men’s health GP Preston, including testosterone assessment, cardiovascular risk and prostate health.
- Medical weight management consultations, with clinically supervised treatment options where appropriate.
- Private GP home visits in Preston for patients who are unable to attend the clinic.
- Sexual health and STI clinic Preston, including confidential STI and HIV testing.
Visit our full services page.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Private Flu Jab
Can I get a private flu jab without an NHS referral?
A private flu vaccination does not normally require an NHS referral. You can contact a private provider directly, although the provider will assess whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
Can I have the flu jab if I take regular medication?
Most medicines do not prevent you from having a flu vaccination. However, tell the healthcare professional about your medicines and any medical conditions before vaccination so they can confirm suitability.
Can I have the flu jab if I have had a previous vaccine reaction?
Tell the healthcare professional about any previous reaction to a flu vaccine or another vaccination. Mild reactions such as a sore arm are generally not a reason to avoid future vaccination, while a previous serious allergic reaction requires individual assessment.
Can I have the flu jab alongside other vaccines?
Flu vaccination can often be given alongside other vaccines when clinically appropriate. The healthcare professional will advise you based on which vaccines you have recently received or are due to receive.
Can I get flu after having the flu jab?
Yes. Flu vaccination does not provide 100% protection, and it does not protect against every respiratory infection. However, it is designed to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications.
Does the flu jab protect against colds or COVID-19?
No. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against influenza viruses. It does not prevent ordinary colds or COVID-19, which are caused by different viruses.
Can I drive after having a flu jab?
Most people can drive after vaccination if they feel well. If you feel faint, dizzy or otherwise unwell after the injection, wait until you feel safe before driving.
Can I exercise after having a flu jab?
Light activity is generally fine after vaccination. If you develop arm soreness or tiredness, you may prefer to rest and return to strenuous exercise once you feel comfortable.
What should I bring to a private flu vaccination appointment?
It is useful to have details of your current medicines, allergies, medical conditions and any previous vaccine reactions. Tell the healthcare professional if you are pregnant or have recently received another vaccination.
Do I need an appointment for a private flu jab in Preston?
Private providers generally require an appointment or booking request so that vaccination can be assessed and administered safely. Availability and booking arrangements vary between providers.
Where can I get a private flu jab in Fulwood?
Private flu vaccination may be available in Fulwood, Preston, depending on seasonal availability. Contact My Private Clinic to confirm whether private flu vaccination appointments are currently available and to check the current price.
Can children have a private flu jab?
Some private providers vaccinate children, but age limits and vaccine availability vary. Children may be offered a nasal flu vaccine through the NHS if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria. Ask a qualified healthcare professional which option is suitable.
Is the flu jab free for people over 50?
Not everyone over 50 is automatically eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination. For the 2026/27 season in England, routine NHS vaccination is offered to people aged 65 and over, alongside other eligible groups.
Looking for a Private Flu Jab in Preston?
If you want protection against flu this winter and are not eligible for the NHS vaccine, or would simply prefer not to wait, our private vaccination service in Preston can help.
At My Private Clinic, Dr Faizal Secretary, an experienced GMC-registered GP, reviews your medical history and vaccination history, checks the flu jab is suitable for you, and gives the vaccine himself.
Face-to-face at our private GP clinic in Fulwood, same-day appointments where available, or a private GP home visit where clinically appropriate in Fulwood and Preston. No registration is required. With your consent we can also access your NHS records, and you stay registered with your NHS GP.