As the nights draw in and the mornings start to feel a bit colder, it’s clear autumn has arrived. October is the time when people start switching the heating back on, digging out their coats, and reaching for the hot chocolate. It is also the start of flu season, when the virus begins to spread more easily through workplaces, schools, and public transport.
Getting your flu jab now, before flu season peaks, is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and the people around you.
Your local pharmacy in Charlton is here to help, offering quick, friendly, and professional flu vaccinations with no long waits or complicated booking systems.
Why getting vaccinated matters
Flu is not just a bad cold. It is caused by a different type of virus that can leave you feeling completely wiped out for days, sometimes even weeks. While most people recover fully, it can cause serious complications for older adults, young children, and anyone with long term health conditions.
Every winter, thousands of people in the UK are hospitalised because of flu related illnesses. Even if you are fit and healthy, catching the flu means you can pass it on to people who are more vulnerable. Getting vaccinated helps stop the spread and protects those most at risk.
Why October is the best time
Flu season usually runs from October to March, with infections peaking between December and February. Getting your jab in early autumn gives your body time to build up immunity before the virus really takes off.
It takes around two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, so having it done in October means you will be protected by the time the colder weather arrives and everyone starts spending more time indoors.
If you leave it until later in the season, you can still get vaccinated, but it is always better to be protected sooner rather than later.
Who should get the flu jab
Almost everyone benefits from it.
The NHS flu jab is free for people in certain groups, including:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- People with long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems
- Carers and frontline health or social care workers
- Children aged two or three, through a nasal spray vaccine
Even if you do not qualify for a free jab, you can still get one privately at the pharmacy. It is quick, affordable, and gives the same level of protection.
Many people choose to pay for the flu jab simply for peace of mind, especially if they live with someone who is older, pregnant, or has an ongoing health condition.
How the flu jab works
The flu vaccine works by helping your body recognise and fight off the virus. It contains small inactive parts of the virus that cannot cause illness, but they trigger your immune system to build antibodies.
That way, if you come into contact with flu later on, your body already knows how to deal with it.
The vaccine is updated every year to match the most common flu strains predicted to circulate that winter. Even if you have had it before, you will need a new one each year to stay protected.
Clearing up a few myths
There are plenty of myths about flu vaccines, so let’s put a few to rest.
“The flu jab gives you the flu.”
It does not. The vaccine does not contain a live virus, so it cannot give you flu. You might feel a bit tired or achy for a day or two afterwards, but that is just your immune system doing its job.
“I never get flu, so I do not need it.”
Even if you have been lucky so far, flu viruses change all the time. The strains circulating this year will not be the same as last year, so your natural immunity may not be enough.
“I am young and healthy, I do not need it.”
While flu hits older adults hardest, younger people can still catch it and spread it to others very easily.
“I will just take my chances.”
Catching flu is not like catching a cold. It can wipe you out for a week or more and leave you feeling drained long after you recover. A quick vaccine is far easier than days in bed.
What to expect at your appointment
The process is simple and takes only a few minutes.
When you arrive at the pharmacy, you will be asked a few quick questions about your health and any allergies. The pharmacist will then give you the vaccine, usually in your upper arm.
You will need to stay for a few minutes afterwards just to make sure you are feeling fine, and then you are good to go. Most people feel completely normal afterwards, apart from a slightly sore arm for a day.
There is no need for a GP appointment, and in most cases you can walk in or book at short notice.
Families and children
Children aged two and three are eligible for a nasal spray flu vaccine through the NHS. It is quick, painless, and an easy way to protect both your child and your household.
If your child misses their school flu vaccination or is not eligible through the NHS, pharmacies can often arrange a private option. Keeping the whole family protected reduces the spread of flu in the community during the colder months.
Living with a long term condition
If you have a long term health condition, the flu jab is especially important. Flu can make existing conditions worse and trigger flare ups.
For people with asthma, for example, flu can cause severe breathing problems. For those with diabetes, it can raise blood sugar levels. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of complications and keeps you well through the winter.
Your pharmacist will check whether you qualify for a free NHS jab or whether a private one is best.
Wider benefits
Flu vaccines do not only protect you, they help reduce pressure on the NHS during winter. Every jab means fewer people becoming seriously ill, which helps free up resources for those who need them most.
It is a small action that makes a big difference.
Extra steps for staying well
Getting your flu jab is the strongest protection, but these habits help too:
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
- Rest properly and manage stress where possible
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Keep your home or workspace well ventilated
If you start to feel unwell, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid close contact with others. Most mild cases pass within a week, but if you have breathing problems or a high temperature that will not come down, seek medical advice straight away.
Why use your pharmacy
Pharmacies make it simple. There is no long wait, no GP booking, and you can often get it done while picking up your prescription.
Pharmacists are trained to deliver vaccinations safely and can answer any questions about side effects or medication. The whole process is quick, comfortable, and convenient.
Final thoughts
Flu might be part of every winter, but it does not have to take you down this year. A quick flu jab protects you, your family, and your community. The best time to get it is right now.
Whether you are eligible for a free NHS vaccine or would prefer a private one, your local pharmacy can help. Drop in this week, have a chat with the pharmacist, and you will walk away protected and ready for the colder months ahead.
