Private COVID-19 vaccinations in Chudleigh — now available to book

We are now offering private COVID-19 vaccinations at Chudleigh Pharmacy for anyone who is not eligible for a free NHS vaccination, or who would simply rather not wait. The price is £95, and you can book online through PharmaDoctor or ring us to enquire.

First, check whether you can have it free on the NHS

Before you pay for anything, it is worth knowing whether you qualify for a free NHS COVID-19 vaccination this winter. You can get one on the NHS if you:

• are aged 75 or over, including anyone who will be 75 by 31 January 2027
• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• live in a care home for older adults

If that is you, book free on the NHS website and enter TQ13 0JT when it asks for a site near where you would like your appointment — that will find appointments with us. We would always rather point you to the free NHS route than take your money unnecessarily, and we will tell you at the counter if we think you qualify.

Who chooses a private COVID-19 vaccination?

The NHS programme is deliberately targeted at the people most at risk of becoming seriously unwell. That leaves plenty of people who want protection and cannot get it free. In our experience, private vaccination tends to suit:

• People in their 50s, 60s and early 70s who fall outside the NHS age threshold but want winter protection anyway.
• Anyone caring for, living with or regularly visiting someone vulnerable — an elderly parent, a relative having cancer treatment, a new baby in the family.
• People travelling, particularly long-haul trips, cruises or visits to see elderly relatives abroad.
• People who cannot afford to be ill — the self-employed, carers, people with a wedding, a holiday or a big work commitment coming up.
• Customer-facing and healthcare workers who are exposed to a lot of people through the winter.

What it costs, and what you get

A private COVID-19 vaccination is £95. That covers the appointment with our pharmacist, the suitability check, the vaccination itself and a record of the dose for your own reference. There is no separate consultation fee.

If you would also like a flu jab, we can usually do both in the same visit — our private flu vaccination is £24.99, and NHS flu vaccination is free if you are eligible. Just mention it when you book.

What happens at the appointment

It takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Our pharmacist will ask a few questions about your health, any medicines you take and any previous reactions to vaccines, then give the vaccination in your upper arm in our private consultation room. Most people have nothing more than a slightly sore arm afterwards, and some feel tired or achy for a day or so. You can drive and go back to work straight away.

When to have it

Protection takes a week or two to build, so if you are planning around a trip, a family visit or a busy work period, book with a little time to spare. Autumn and early winter are when demand is highest, both for us and for vaccine supply, so earlier is usually easier than later.

Questions people ask us

This article is general information and does not replace individual advice. Our pharmacist will check that vaccination is suitable for you before going ahead.