Private Flu (Influenza) Jabs

How the Flu Jab Works

The flu vaccine contains inactivated (non-infectious) parts of the influenza virus, designed to safely train your immune system to recognise and fight the virus.
After vaccination, your body develops antibodies within about 10–14 days, giving you protection throughout the season.

Each year, the vaccine is updated to target the most common flu strains expected to circulate.
This year’s vaccine protects against three influenza strains — it’s a traditional vaccine, not an mRNA vaccine, and does not contain any COVID-19 components.

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Getting your jab ensures you’re protected before the virus spreads widely.
 

Why Choose Our Private Flu Jab Service

• No referral needed – anyone can book directly

• Convenient booking – online, by phone or email

• Flexible appointments – clinic, home, or onsite visits available

• High-quality vaccine – same trusted vaccines used in the NHS

• Professional care – qualified clinicians and safe settings

• Peace of mind – ideal for people not eligible for NHS vaccination or those seeking flexibility

• Our vaccine covers the H3N2 variant
   

Who Can Benefit

A flu vaccination can help protect people of all ages, particularly during seasons where infection rates are higher and local availability is limited.

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At YPC Health, we provide flu vaccinations for:

• Children and young people

• Adults of working age

• Older adults and elderly patients

• People with long-term or underlying health conditions

• Those who do not qualify for an NHS-funded flu jab

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This service is well suited for individuals and households who:

• have been unable to secure an NHS appointment locally

• have experienced cancelled or delayed flu vaccination appointments

• prefer prompt access to vaccination without long waiting times

• wish to reduce the risk of flu and its complications during a particularly severe season

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Our clinicians are experienced in vaccinating patients across all age groups and will ensure the vaccine offered is appropriate for each individual.

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Why the NHS Offers Flu Jabs to Certain Groups Only

The NHS provides free flu vaccines each year to people considered at higher risk of complications from flu — such as:

• Adults aged 65 and over

• Pregnant women

• Carers and frontline healthcare workers

• People with long-term health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

(View full NHS eligibility list)

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This doesn’t mean others aren’t at risk — it simply reflects how NHS funding is prioritised to protect those most vulnerable and to reduce winter pressure on hospitals.

However, anyone can still choose to have a flu jab privately. Many people outside the NHS criteria prefer to be vaccinated for personal protection, peace of mind, and convenience.

At YPC Health, we make that possible — no referral, no waiting lists, and flexible booking options including home or workplace visits.
 

How It Works

1. Book – Choose your preferred method of booking an appointment: online, phone or email.

2. Attend your appointment – Quick health check to ensure suitability  & the jab takes just a few minutes.

3. Post-care advice – We’ll provide simple after-care information and confirm when your protection takes full effect.
    

Frequently Asked Questions – Flu Vaccination

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• Is the private flu jab the same as the NHS flu jab?

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Yes. We use the same licensed, UK-approved influenza vaccines used within NHS vaccination programmes.
The difference is simply access and availability, not the vaccine itself.

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• Does this year’s flu vaccine cover the H3N2 strain?

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Yes. The vaccine is updated every year to match the flu strains expected that winter.

While no vaccine offers complete protection, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe flu, complications, and hospital admission.

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• Does the flu jab contain any COVID-19 vaccine material?

No. The flu vaccine protects only against influenza and does not contain COVID-19 vaccine material.
It is an inactivated (non-live) vaccine and cannot cause flu.

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• Who can have a flu jab at YPC Health?

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We provide flu vaccinations for:

• children

• adults

• elderly patients

• those who meet NHS eligibility criteria

• those who do not qualify for an NHS-funded flu jab

Our clinicians will always confirm suitability before vaccination.

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• When is the best time to have the flu vaccine?

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Ideally, the flu vaccine should be given before flu begins circulating widely, as it takes around two weeks for full protection to develop.

However, vaccination can still be beneficial later in the season, particularly during periods of high flu activity.

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• Are there any side effects?

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Most people experience no or only mild side effects, such as:

• a sore arm at the injection site

• mild tiredness

• low-grade headache or muscle aches

These usually resolve within 24–48 hours.

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• Can I have the flu jab and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

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Yes. It is safe to receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine during the same time.
We do not currently offer COVID-19 vaccines.

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• Is the flu jab safe for older adults?

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Yes. Flu vaccination is particularly important for older adults, as they are more likely to develop complications from influenza.
The vaccines we use are licensed and widely used across the UK.

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• What if I’ve already had flu in the past?

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Flu viruses change each year. Even if you’ve had flu before, vaccination is still recommended, as immunity from previous infections may not protect against current strains.

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• Do I need the flu jab every year?

Yes. Flu strains change regularly, and protection from the vaccine decreases over time.
Annual vaccination offers the best protection each season.

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• What if I’m not sure whether the flu jab is right for me?

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Our clinicians are happy to discuss any concerns and assess suitability before vaccination. If you have allergies, long-term conditions, or questions about timing, we’ll guide you appropriately.

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Flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness this winter.

Our 2026/27 flu vaccine is on order and we'll open appointments as soon as it arrives. We vaccinate children, adults and elderly patients, whether or not you meet the NHS eligibility criteria, at our Ilkley clinic, with home visits where appropriate. Register your interest below and we'll let you know as soon as we can book you in.

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Price: £20 per person

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👉 Register your interest below, or call the Ilkley clinic on 01943 703779 or our main line on 0113 531 4947, or email info@ypchealth.co.uk.
Protect yourself and those around you this winter.

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Could your employer pay for your flu jab?

Under new HMRC rules from April 2026, employers can pay staff back for the cost of a seasonal flu jab with no tax or National Insurance to pay. If your workplace offers flu jabs as a staff benefit, you can book with us in Ilkley and claim the cost back through your employer's expenses. We'll give you a receipt showing the date and the vaccination given. It's worth checking with your employer or HR team before you book. Read more about claiming your flu jab back from your employer.