Flu jab with a cold: should you keep your appointment?

Having a flu jab with a cold: when to call us

A runny nose or mild sore throat does not automatically mean cancelling your jab. UK guidance says a minor illness without a fever or feeling generally unwell is not a reason to delay vaccination. Read the UKHSA guidance on vaccination when unwell ↗.

Before travelling, tell your branch about any new symptoms. Our pharmacist can advise you, and calling ahead helps us plan your visit with other patients in mind.

• Mild cold, otherwise feeling well: you may be able to keep your appointment. Check with us first.
• High temperature or feeling very unwell: stay at home and contact us to discuss rearranging.
• Not sure how ill you are: describe your symptoms rather than trying to decide whether it is a cold, flu or something else.

You do not need to make that decision alone. If you are booked at our Barlow Moor branch, call 0161 881 1452.

When should you delay your flu jab?

If you have a high temperature, wait until you feel better before having the vaccine. If you feel very unwell, our pharmacist may also suggest postponing it. Waiting makes it easier to tell your illness apart from any side effects after the jab.

There is no single waiting period that fits every illness. Tell us how you are feeling when you rearrange, especially if symptoms have changed. If you have recently had confirmed flu, vaccination can still help protect against other flu strains once you have recovered.

Get medical help rather than waiting for a vaccination appointment if you have flu symptoms and feel very unwell, are short of breath, or have not improved after seven days. Contact your GP urgently or NHS 111. Seek advice promptly too if you have flu symptoms and are pregnant, aged 65 or over, have a long-term condition or a weakened immune system.

Call 999 for sudden chest pain, severe difficulty breathing or coughing up blood. See the NHS advice on flu and when to get help ↗.

What to tell our pharmacist before your appointment

A quick conversation is often the easiest way to work out the next step. Let us know:

• What symptoms you have and when they started.
• Whether you have had a high temperature.
• Whether you feel well enough for your usual activities.
• Any medicines you take, including recent cold remedies.
• Any previous serious reaction to a vaccine or known allergies, including egg allergy.
• Whether you are pregnant or have a health condition we should know about.

When you are ready to attend, a little preparation makes the visit simpler:

• Check the branch address on your confirmation.
• Keep your booking details handy.
• Wear something that lets you uncover your upper arm easily.
• Bring a list of your regular medicines if you cannot remember their names.
• Tell us if needles make you anxious, so we can talk you through the appointment.
• Allow time to ask questions before deciding whether to go ahead.

Booking a flu jab with a cold in Manchester

Our flu vaccination service offers NHS and private routes. Check whether you qualify for a free NHS vaccination before paying privately. Most eligible adults in England can have their NHS appointment from 1 October 2026; pregnant women can have theirs from September.

For private appointments, our current price is £19.99. The booking calendar shows a £10 prepayment, so check the payment and cancellation details before confirming. Our pharmacist will check that the vaccine is suitable for you.

The calendar below is for Everest Pharmacy Barlow Moor, 280 Barlow Moor Road, Manchester, M21 8HA. Call 0161 881 1452 if you have symptoms or need help. You can also view the Barlow Moor branch details or choose another branch through our flu service page.