NHS Scotland
Flu Vaccination Service
Protect yourself and the people around you this winter with a flu jab at Pollokshields Pharmacy on Maxwell Road in Glasgow.
About the service
Safe, convenient flu protection in Pollokshields
Flu (influenza) is more than a heavy cold. Every winter it puts thousands of people in Scotland in hospital and causes serious complications such as pneumonia, worsening of long-term conditions, and in vulnerable groups, death. The single most effective way to protect yourself is the annual flu vaccine.
At Pollokshields Pharmacy we provide flu vaccinations under NHS Scotland for eligible patients in our area, in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Vaccines are administered by our trained pharmacy team in a clean, private consultation area — usually in under ten minutes.
The flu virus changes every year, which is why a fresh jab each autumn is needed. The 2025/26 vaccines have been updated to match the strains expected to circulate this winter.
Eligibility
Who can get a free NHS flu jab?
You are entitled to a free NHS Scotland flu vaccination if you are:
Aged 65 years and over
Aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological conditions or a weakened immune system
Pregnant — at any stage of pregnancy
An unpaid carer or supporting someone who is clinically vulnerable
A frontline health or social care worker
Living in a care home for older adults
A household contact of someone whose immune system is severely weakened
Children aged 2 to primary school age receive their flu vaccine through school or their GP, not through community pharmacy.
Protect yourself and others
Why getting your flu jab matters
Flu hits harder than people often expect. For most healthy adults it means a week off work; for older people, pregnant women, young children and anyone with a long-term condition, the risks are much greater.
The vaccine reduces your chances of catching flu, and if you do catch it, makes it less severe. It also lowers the risk of you passing it on to a vulnerable family member, neighbour or colleague — and helps protect frontline NHS services during the busiest months of the year.
The vaccine cannot give you flu. It contains either inactivated (killed) virus or no virus at all — just the proteins your immune system needs to recognise the real thing.
What happens at your appointment
What to expect at the pharmacy
Quick suitability check
Our pharmacist will confirm you are eligible, ask about allergies, current health and any medication you are taking.
The vaccination itself
A small injection into the upper arm. It takes seconds and most people barely feel it. The whole appointment usually takes under ten minutes.
Aftercare advice
We will record the vaccination on your NHS record and give you advice on what to expect over the next 24 to 48 hours.
How you might feel afterwards
Most people have no problems after a flu jab. Some experience mild, short-lived effects in the first day or two — these are normal and a sign that your immune system is responding:
- A sore arm or slight bruising at the injection site
- A mild headache, muscle aches or feeling tired
- A slightly raised temperature for a day
Serious reactions are very rare. If you feel unwell after vaccination, call NHS 24 on 111 — or in an emergency, dial 999.
Availability
When can I have my flu vaccination?
The NHS Scotland flu programme runs each autumn and winter, usually from September through to March. Pollokshields Pharmacy receives stock at the start of the season — give us a call on 0141 429 1919 to confirm availability before you visit.
You can usually walk in, although booking ahead helps us keep waiting times short. The earlier in the season you have your jab, the sooner you are protected — it takes around two weeks to build full immunity.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
When does the flu season start?
Flu generally circulates from October to March in Scotland, with cases peaking in the colder months. Aim to have your vaccine by the end of November to be well protected before the peak.
Can I have the flu jab at the same time as a COVID-19 booster?
Yes — they can be given on the same day, although flu jabs and COVID boosters are usually delivered through different channels. Speak to us and we will help you organise both safely.
Will the flu jab give me flu?
No. The vaccines used in the UK either contain inactivated virus or no virus at all, so they cannot cause flu. Mild aches or a low-grade temperature for a day or two simply mean your immune system is working.
Do I need to book or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome when stock is available, but we recommend calling ahead on 0141 429 1919 to check. Booking helps us keep your wait short and ensures we have the right vaccine ready for you.
Is the flu vaccine free?
Yes — for everyone in the eligible groups listed above, the flu vaccine is free of charge under NHS Scotland. If you fall outside the eligible groups, your GP or another local pharmacy may offer a private flu jab.
I am pregnant — is the flu jab safe?
Yes. The flu vaccine is recommended at any stage of pregnancy. It protects you when your immune system is more vulnerable, and the antibodies you produce help protect your baby for the first few months after birth.
Ready to book your flu vaccination?
Book online or call 0141 429 1919 to check availability. We are at 275 Maxwell Road, Glasgow, G41 1TE.