Our Flu Vaccines

We offer flu vaccines from all of the leading brands that are licensed in the UK and strongly believe in offering our patients the best possible choice of types and technologies. The following choices are available:

Standard vaccines

We offer a choice of at least three types of standard surface antigen or split virion vaccines - the type of flu vaccine in longest use. More choice means less risk of supply problems (which are very common with flu vaccines), and a better chance of matching the right vaccine with each person's medical needs. These vaccines are the commonest choice for companies and groups. 

Premium Vaccines

We offer the following premium vaccines:

Intradermal vaccines

In 2010, a new intradermal vaccine became available in the UK. This uses a reduced vaccine dose that is injected into the topmost skin layer, with some possible advantages in improving the immune response, especially in older age groups and in people with reduced immunity. Because this vaccine is injected only into the top-most layer of the skin, it causes no muscle soreness afterwards.The needle is tiny and almost painless, though the vaccine may sting slighly as it enters the skin.

Virosomal vaccines

Virosomal vaccines contain the reconstituted virus membrane, including its outer coat, in virus-shaped and -sized particles (but without its core of genetic material). Virosomal vaccines stimulate "cell-mediated immunity" in addition to the usual antibody response, and are therefore consider to produce a broader degree of protection (i.e. protection that may extend beyond the exact strains from which the vaccine was produced). 

Live attenuated vaccines

Live attenuated vaccines (FLUENZ) work by generating local immmunity within the upper respiratory tract. They have been shown to be more effective than other options for protecting children, and have the additional benefit of not requiring injection - they are given in the form of a nasal spray, administered by a doctor or nurse. The vaccine virus survives only under the lower temperature conditions of the nose and upper respiratory passages, but dies at full body temperature, so cannot cause harmful infection.

Egg-free vaccines

This year, we expect to have a very limited supply of a surface-antigen vaccine produced in cell culture. This vaccine is free from all traces of egg protein, and no antibiotics are used in its production. This is an excellent option for anyone concerned about possible allergies or sensitivities.