One quick appointment. One less winter worry.
Flu has a habit of arriving when life is already busy. A flu vaccination is a simple way to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell – and if you do catch flu after vaccination, it is likely to be milder and may not last as long.
At Ham Pharmacy Group, you can book a free NHS flu vaccination if you are eligible, or choose our private flu vaccination service for £30. Our friendly pharmacy teams are here to answer your questions and make the whole appointment feel easy from start to finish.
Choose from Ham Parade, Ham Common or Ham Village – three convenient local pharmacies serving people who live and work across Ham, Kingston, Richmond, Barnes and nearby areas.
- Free NHS flu vaccination for eligible adults
- Private flu vaccination for £30
- Same-day private appointments when availability allows
- Three friendly local pharmacy teams
NHS or private? Let us make it simple
The vaccine is not ‘better’ because it is private. The difference is simply how the vaccination is funded. If you meet the NHS criteria, your flu vaccine is free. If you are not eligible, our £30 private service gives you another straightforward way to get vaccinated.
Not sure which route applies to you? That is exactly the sort of question our pharmacy team is here for. Get in touch and we will help you understand the options before you book.
Who can have a free NHS flu vaccination?
For the 2026/27 season, community pharmacies can provide NHS flu vaccinations to eligible adults aged 18 and over. You may qualify if you:
- are aged 65 or over, including if you will turn 65 by 31 March 2027
- are pregnant
- are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions, including eligible respiratory, heart, kidney, liver, neurological or immune-system conditions, diabetes, a learning disability, problems with your spleen, or a BMI of 40 or above
- live in a long-stay residential care home
- receive Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
- are an eligible frontline social care worker without access to an employer-led vaccination scheme
A quick but important note: the eligibility rules are precise, particularly for some health conditions and employment groups. Our pharmacist will confirm your eligibility and clinical suitability before vaccination. Frontline health and social care workers will usually be offered vaccination through their employer.
What if I am not eligible for the NHS service?
You can still book a private flu vaccination for £30, subject to a pharmacist’s suitability assessment. It can be a useful option if you work closely with other people, have travel or important plans ahead, care for family members, or simply want to reduce the chance of flu disrupting your winter.
No complicated process. No lengthy appointment. Just professional advice, a quick vaccination and one more thing ticked off your list.
Why is the flu vaccine worth having?
Flu is not simply a heavy cold. It can make even fit and healthy people feel very unwell, and it can be serious or life-threatening for people at greater risk. It may also worsen an existing health condition or lead to complications such as pneumonia.
An annual flu vaccination helps protect against the main flu viruses expected to circulate that season. It cannot guarantee that you will not catch flu, but it lowers the risk of serious illness. If you do get flu, it is likely to be milder and may clear more quickly.
It is also a considerate step for the people around you – particularly older relatives, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system.
When should I have my flu vaccination?
Timing matters. For the 2026/27 NHS programme, pregnant women can be vaccinated from 1 September 2026. Most other eligible adults can receive their NHS flu vaccination from 1 October 2026, helping protection last through the period when flu is most likely to peak.
The vaccine can take up to 14 days to work, so it is sensible to book before winter is in full swing. Missed the early rush? Do not write the season off. NHS vaccination may still be offered later, subject to eligibility, availability and programme dates.
What happens at the appointment?
Your appointment is usually quick and straightforward:
- We confirm your eligibility, medical information and whether vaccination is suitable for you.
- You have time to ask questions – there is no such thing as a silly one.
- The vaccine is normally given as a quick injection into the upper arm.
- We explain what to expect afterwards, and most people carry on with their day as normal.
Please tell the pharmacist if you have had a serious reaction to a flu vaccine before, have an egg allergy, are taking medicines that may affect vaccination, or feel unwell on the day. If you have a high temperature, you will usually need to wait until you are feeling better.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild and improve within one or two days. You may notice:
- pain or tenderness where the injection was given
- a slightly raised temperature
- an aching body or tiredness
Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Our trained pharmacy team can talk you through the benefits, possible side effects and any concerns before you decide to go ahead. The injected flu vaccines used in the UK cannot give you flu.
Three local pharmacies, one warm welcome
You do not need to travel across London for a flu vaccination. Choose the Ham Pharmacy Group location that is most convenient for you:
- Ham Parade Pharmacy
- Ham Common Pharmacy
- Ham Village Pharmacy
Our pharmacies welcome patients from Ham, Kingston, Richmond, Barnes and the surrounding communities. Same-day private appointments may be available, although booking ahead is the best way to secure a time that suits you.
Why choose Ham Pharmacy Group?
Because healthcare feels better when it is local, personal and easy to understand. You will be looked after by an experienced pharmacy team that takes the time to check what is right for you – without turning a simple appointment into a performance.
- NHS and private flu vaccination options in one place
- Three convenient pharmacies near Kingston, Richmond and Barnes
- Clear advice from trained healthcare professionals
- Flexible appointments, including same-day private slots when available
- A trusted local service that knows its community