Free Flu Vaccination Clinic
Get your flu vaccine in the pharmacy in Ardee, free of charge if you are in an HSE eligible group. No GP visit needed.
Book a flu vaccine online
Free*
One quick jab
30 minute appointment
Works in 2 weeks
*Free under the HSE flu vaccination programme if you are aged 60 or older, have a qualifying long-term health condition, or are in another HSE eligible group. Not eligible? A private flu vaccine is €35. See who qualifies below.
Protect Yourself Against Flu This Winter
Flu is more than a bad cold. For people over 60 and anyone with a long-term health condition, it can lead to serious illness, hospital stays and complications that take weeks to recover from.
At Mark's Pharmacy we give the HSE flu vaccine right here in the pharmacy. The vaccine is free if you are in an HSE eligible group, including everyone aged 60 and older and people with certain long-term health conditions. It is a single injection into the arm, carried out by our pharmacist in a private consultation area.
The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the flu season starts. It is available from October each year, and the vaccine takes about two weeks to start working, so the earlier you get it the better.
Who can get a free flu vaccine
The HSE offers a free flu vaccine to people with a higher risk of serious illness from flu. Adults can get a free flu vaccine if they:
- Are aged 60 and older
- Have a qualifying health condition (see the full list below)
- Are a healthcare worker
- Live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- Live with or care for someone who has a qualifying health condition
- Have regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
If you are not in an eligible group you can still get the flu vaccine privately for €35.
Preparing for your appointment
No special preparation is needed, but a few things help the appointment go smoothly.
- Bring your PPS number
- Tell us if you have an egg allergy or have had a reaction to a flu vaccine before
- If you have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, wait until you are well and rebook
- If you are also due a COVID-19 vaccine, you can have both at the same appointment
- Allow 30 minutes for your visit, including a short wait afterwards
If you have severe neutropenia or take combination checkpoint inhibitor medicines, talk to your GP or specialist before booking.
Who should not get the flu vaccine
Most people can safely have the flu vaccine. You should not get it if you:
- Had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or any part of the vaccine
- Have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher. Wait until you are well before getting the vaccine
If you have an egg allergy, tell us before your vaccine. Most people with an egg allergy can still get the flu vaccine. Talk to your GP or specialist before booking if you have severe neutropenia (low levels of a type of white blood cell) or take combination checkpoint inhibitor medicines such as ipilimumab and nivolumab.
Meet Mark
Mark McPhillips MPSI
Mark is the owner and Superintendent Pharmacist at Mark's Pharmacy, and the person behind the name over the door on Market Street. He has more than 25 years of experience in pharmacy, starting out as a hospital pharmacist before moving into community pharmacy, and Mark's Pharmacy grew from there.
An award-winning pharmacist, Mark is also a qualified coach and an NLP trainer. That shapes how the pharmacy works: health is taken seriously, but the place stays friendly and welcoming, and a consultation should feel like a conversation rather than a lecture.
Mark is supported by a full pharmacy team, including Supervising Pharmacist Stephen Murray, Pharmacist Declan Coyle and Pharmacy Manager Tara McKenna, so there is always someone on hand to answer a question about your vaccine.
Book with Mark's PharmacyThe flu vaccine at Mark's Pharmacy
Everything you need to know about getting your flu vaccine with us this winter, from who qualifies for a free vaccine to what it costs if you do not.
Health conditions that qualify
- Chronic heart disease, including acute coronary syndrome
- Chronic liver disease or chronic kidney failure
- Chronic respiratory disease, including COPD, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Chronic neurological disease, including multiple sclerosis and hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
- Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including inherited metabolic disorders
- Down syndrome, or haemoglobinopathies (a group of inherited blood disorders)
- A body mass index (BMI) over 40
- Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including asplenia or hyposplenism
- Cancer, or serious mental health conditions
The vaccine
- Aged 65 and over - the HSE uses an enhanced vaccine (Fluad), which contains an adjuvant to boost your immune response.
- Aged under 65 - a standard flu vaccine (Vaxigrip or Influvac Sub-unit).
- Every year - you need a flu vaccine each year because flu strains change and the protection from last year's vaccine fades over time.
Cost
- Free - if you are in an HSE eligible group, exactly as it would be at your GP.
- Private flu vaccine - €35 if you are not in an eligible group.
Flu and COVID-19 together
- Same appointment - if you are also recommended a COVID-19 vaccine, we can give both at the same visit. Just let us know when you book.
Not sure if your condition qualifies? Call in or give us a ring and our pharmacy team will check for you.
Your flu vaccine appointment: what happens on the day
You are in safe hands. Every vaccine is given in the pharmacy by our pharmacist in a private consultation area.
- Please allow 30 minutes for your appointment.
- We confirm which HSE group you are eligible under. Please bring your PPS number.
- We ask a few short questions about your health, any allergies and any previous vaccine reactions.
- We explain the vaccine and ask for your consent before giving it.
- The vaccine is a single injection into the upper arm and is over in seconds.
- You wait in the pharmacy for 15 minutes afterwards.
- If you are also due a COVID-19 vaccine, we can give both at the same appointment.
What our customers say
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google from 62 reviews
"A friendly local Pharmacy that will go that wee bit extra. e.g. I got sent a birthday card with a wee voucher in it and my parents got a box of chocolates for having their vaccines there. Nice touches"
"Great pharmacy, fantastic team and value for money. More importantly, Mark and the team value their customers and the pharmacists are reliable when it comes to cross checking medications to make sure they're safe for individual cases. Attending Marks since he first began on his journey, never plan on leaving either. Advice is invaluable."
"I don't normally do reviews but I feel this place definitely deserves one. A top class Pharmacy. Mark goes above and beyond to get what I need in. Fast and friendly service, no waiting around I'm looked after as soon as I come in the door, the staff are very nice, helpful and efficient. Would highly recommend."
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can book your flu vaccine directly with the pharmacy. If you are in an HSE eligible group it is free, exactly as it would be at your GP.
Is the flu vaccine really free?
Yes, if you are in one of the HSE eligible groups listed above. If you are not eligible, a private flu vaccine costs €35.
When is the best time to get it?
Before the flu season starts. The vaccine is available from October each year and takes about two weeks to start working.
Can I still get flu after the vaccine?
Yes, the HSE says you can still get flu after vaccination. If you do, you should have milder symptoms and recover faster.
What are the side effects?
Most people have no problems. Mild side effects can include soreness, redness or swelling where you had the injection, a high temperature, headache, aches and feeling tired. If you have any of these, rest and take paracetamol. Serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are rare.
I had the flu vaccine last year. Do I need it again?
Yes. The HSE recommends a flu vaccine every year because flu strains change each year and the antibodies that protect you fade over time.
Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
Yes, the HSE says you can get both vaccines at the same time if you are recommended a COVID-19 vaccine. Let us know when you book and we will have everything ready.
What do I need to bring?
Just your PPS number.
Who carries out the vaccination?
All vaccines are given by our pharmacist in a private consultation area in the pharmacy. Your visit is treated in the strictest confidence.
Is there an age limit?
This flu vaccine service is for adults aged 18 and over.
Book your flu vaccine
Choose a time that suits you and we will see you in the pharmacy.
Book a flu vaccine
