Winter Flu Vaccination Service

Appointment bookings for the Winter Flu Vaccination Service now open

Please note that our appointment bookings are managed by Swiftqueue, on behalf of Boots.


You will need to use your Swiftqueue login details or create a Swiftqueue account after you select your appointment to complete your booking.  

Flu AND COVID-19 (Pfizer/Comirnaty) 18+ Vaccination

Flu Free HSE Risk Group 18 years plus

Flu €35 No Risk Group

Note: You will receive an email and text message when your appointment booking is confirmed. If you do not receive these messages contact your local Boots store to ensure your booking has successfully registered.

Your flu vaccination at Boots


The best way to help protect yourself and others from catching and spreading the flu is to get the flu vaccination every year. Our Winter Flu Vaccination Service is a simple and convenient way to help protect against the flu. The flu vaccine administered by injection is available for those aged 18 years and over in most Boots pharmacies.* You can read more about each of the available flu vaccines in one of the Patient Information Leaflets here.


Sanofi Inactivated Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine 2024-25 season

Mylan Inactivated Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine 2024-25 season


You can find out more about the nasal flu vaccination for children two to 17 years here.

How it works

STEP 1

Find your preferred appointment

At a time, date and Boots pharmacy** that’s convenient for you. A charge may apply

STEP 2

Complete your booking & pre-consultation form

Create or log into your account and answer some questions online to complete your appointment booking. This helps to reduce time spent in the pharmacy when you come for your vaccination. Have your PPSN to hand as you need this when completing your pre-consultation form

STEP 3

Go in-store for your vaccination*

One of our pharmacists will answer questions you may have and give you your vaccination. Wear a loose fitting top with sleeves that can be easily rolled up. We'll need to ask you to stay in-store or in the vicinity of the store for 15 minutes after your vaccination, just in case you have any immediate side effects

What is the flu?


Flu is a common viral infection that’s easily spread to other people through coughs and sneezes. Flu symptoms include a fever, headache, sore throat and an aching body. Viruses that cause flu are the most common during the winter months. Flu strains can change from year to year, which means last year’s vaccination may not protect you from this season’s flu strains. Over time, protection from the flu vaccination also decreases, which is another reason to keep up-to-date with your flu vaccinations.


How long will my appointment take?


The in-store appointment will take around 15 minutes.


Price


If you’re in one of the groups recommended to get the flu vaccination,*** you may be eligible to get it free of charge.* For others a charge of €35 will apply.*


Who should get the winter flu vaccine?


There are certain groups of people*** recommended to get the winter flu vaccination every year, including anyone who:


  • Is aged 60 and over – NEW lower age for this winter season
  • Is pregnant
  • Has a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart, kidney, liver, lung or a neurological disease
  • Has cancer
  • Has a weakened immune system (due to disease or treatment)
  • Has a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40
  • Has a haemoglobinopathy
  • Has Down syndrome
  • Lives in a nursing home or other long-stay residence
  • Is a healthcare worker with direct patient contact
  • Cares for someone who's at risk of flu due to a long-term health condition
  • Lives in the same house as someone who's at risk of flu due to a long-term health condition or has Down syndrome
  • Has regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs

Is there anyone who should avoid getting the winter flu vaccine?


There are very few people who can’t have a flu vaccination, but it might not be suitable if:

  • You’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccination or any of its ingredients in the past
  • You’re taking a type of medication called checkpoint inhibitors
  • You have extremely low levels of a type of white blood cell, called neutrophils


If you’re unsure if any of these may apply to you, speak with your Boots pharmacist.


Am I eligible for a free winter flu vaccination?


If you're in one of the at-risk or recommended groups to get the flu vaccination*** you can get the service free of charge.* For others a charge may apply.*


If you're unsure about your eligibility for a free vaccination, speak to your Boots pharmacist.


Can I book a flu appointment for a child aged two to 17 years?


Read more information on the nasal flu vaccination for children two to 17 years here.

At your appointment, one of our specially trained pharmacists will inject the vaccine into your upper arm. It's important that you stay in store for 15 minutes after your vaccination, just in case you have any immediate side effects. The most common side effects include:

  • A fever
  • Feeling unwell
  • Shivering
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Injection site reactions (redness, tenderness and swelling)


If you do experience any of these, don't worry, they’re usually mild and should disappear on their own in a day or two.


Some people may experience rare reactions, which can include allergic reactions, nerve pain/inflammation, swollen glands, numbness, general skin reactions and rare nerve disorders. If you experience these, or any other unusual or severe symptoms, seek medical advice straight away. Anaphylaxis†† ​​​​​​​may occur on very rare occasions, but we have in-store procedures to deal with this. Talk to our pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions about the vaccination or side effects.

Important information

  • Being vaccinated is likely to provide effective protection against this year's strain of the winter flu virus. There will still be a chance of you catching flu
  • After your vaccination, it can take about 14 days to be protected against flu
  • You cannot catch flu from the injection type of flu vaccination
  • If you need to have a serology blood test (one that checks antibody levels) within a few days following a flu vaccination, please tell your doctor. This is because false positive results have previously been observed with some test types in a few patients who'd recently been vaccinated
  • Some people require two vaccination doses. Your pharmacist will let you know if you’ll need a second dose

Boots Corporate Winter Flu Vaccination Service


Sales of Corporate Winter Flu Vaccination Service Vouchers are now open. You can find out further information and place an order for the 2024-25 season by clicking here.


To book your flu vaccination appointment click on the link below.

Flu Corporate Voucher

*Vaccination service subject to specially trained pharmacist and vaccine availability. Selected stores only. The eligibility criteria for a free vaccination based on HSE requirements can be found here. A charge of €35 may apply. Ask your Boots pharmacist for details. Eligibility criteria applies.
**Subject to store opening times, vaccine stock and specially trained pharmacist availability.