Flu vaccine
We are pleased to confirm that this year we are able to offer all staff working in local authority maintained schools (who are not eligible already through the NHS) a free flu vaccine.
Flu can be life-threatening and spreads more easily when we’re indoors together. The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and well-tested. Having the vaccine is the most effective way to boost your natural immunity and protect yourself and others.
How do I get my free flu vaccine?
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get your flu vaccine.
If you are not eligible for an NHS flu vaccination, there are several convenient ways to get your vaccine.
1. Attend a participating pharmacy
Show your work photo ID badge at one of the approved pharmacies in Gloucestershire. You won’t need to pay anything. It is advisable to contact your chosen pharmacy to check that a vaccine is available before attending.
2. Attend a drop-in clinic
Monday 1 December - 9.30am to 5.30pm:
Stroud Road Pharmacy - 153A Stroud Rd, Gloucester GL1 5JJ - Phone: 01452 523937.
Wednesday 3 December - 8.45am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.50pm (closed for lunch):
Badham Pharmacy - Quayside House, Quay St, Gloucester GL1 2TZ - Phone: 01452 757755.
3. Visit any pharmacy nationwide
Visit any pharmacy in the country that’s convenient and claim back up to £15 with a receipt through expenses, via your line manager, in the way that expenses are usually claimed for. This option was introduced in 2024 and is offered to make it easier for staff to get the flu vaccine, and the cost should be reimbursed by the school as part of its delegated budget responsibility. Please ask your line manager if your school can support this. Staff are strongly encouraged to have the flu vaccine, and the £15 option supports that.
4. NHS eligibility
If you are available for an NHS flu vaccine you can arrange your vaccine via your NHS App. Eligible individuals can also book their NHS flu vaccine via the NHS website: Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy - NHS.
What do I need to take with me?
Take your work ID badge, a payslip or a letter from your school to show that you are staff.
You will be asked to complete a consent form and it would be helpful if you could complete this form in advance and take it with you. This will help to make the process even quicker.
By having your free flu vaccine, you’ll protect yourself and those around you from flu which can have serious consequences for vulnerable people. Plus, you will be helping to prevent the spread of flu in the wider community. It’s particularly important for frontline staff who are in regular contact with the public.
By having your free flu vaccine, you’ll protect yourself and those around you from flu which can have serious consequences for vulnerable people. Plus, you will be helping to prevent the spread of flu in the wider community. It’s particularly important for frontline staff who are in regular contact with the public.
It’s important that everyone gets vaccinated before the flu season begins in earnest so we will be encouraging you to have the vaccination as early as possible, before the end of December.
It’s important that everyone gets vaccinated before the flu season begins in earnest so we will be encouraging you to have the vaccination as early as possible, before the end of December.
Please bear in mind that supplies of the flu vaccine are delivered to pharmacies across the UK on a staggered basis. If you aren’t able to get an appointment when you call because they are awaiting vaccines, please don’t be put off, book an appointment at a later date or try another pharmacy.
Pharmacies may offer the chance to book an appointment or drop in, check out what your local pharmacy does in advance.
Please bear in mind that supplies of the flu vaccine are delivered to pharmacies across the UK on a staggered basis. If you aren’t able to get an appointment when you call because they are awaiting vaccines, please don’t be put off, book an appointment at a later date or try another pharmacy.
Pharmacies may offer the chance to book an appointment or drop in, check out what your local pharmacy does in advance.
Remember that if you are already entitled to a flu vaccine because you fall into one of the NHS priority categories you can have your flu vaccination at your GP surgery or any pharmacy and should not access your flu vaccination via this offer.
If you are in a risk group, it is important to get your flu vaccine as soon as you are offered it. You may be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine autumn booster at the same time, but please do not wait for this if your flu vaccine comes first. The sooner you have the jab, the sooner you will be protected.
Similarly, if you are eligible and invited for a COVID-19 booster, please do make sure you have it as soon as possible. It is safe to have both vaccines at the same time.
Remember that if you are already entitled to a flu vaccine because you fall into one of the NHS priority categories you can have your flu vaccination at your GP surgery or any pharmacy and should not access your flu vaccination via this offer.
If you are in a risk group, it is important to get your flu vaccine as soon as you are offered it. You may be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine autumn booster at the same time, but please do not wait for this if your flu vaccine comes first. The sooner you have the jab, the sooner you will be protected.
Similarly, if you are eligible and invited for a COVID-19 booster, please do make sure you have it as soon as possible. It is safe to have both vaccines at the same time.
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