Vitamin B12 Injection Service
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps to keep your nerves and blood cells healthy. Our bodies don’t make Vitamin B12, it is obtained from foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs. You may have a deficiency if you are vegan, don’t eat enough B12 rich food, or if you have other health conditions which mean you are unable to absorb it properly, such as pernicious anaemia.
About the vaccine
What is the Vitamin B12 Injection? The Vitamin B12 injection is an effective way to treat a deficiency. There is only one type of vitamin B12 injection available in the UK, known as hydroxocobalamin. Vitamin B12 tablets, also known as cyanocobalamin, can be bought over the counter from pharmacies or health stores, but are not as effective as the injection.
Who should get the injection?: You can book an appointment in our Superdrug Health Clinics, if:
- You have had diagnosis of Vitamin B12 deficiency from your GP (you will need to bring proof of this on the day of your appointment) or
- Have a undergone bariatric surgery and need B12 for the prevention of deficiency (you will need to bring proof of this on the day of your appointment) or
- Have received initial treatment following diagnosis of B12 deficiency due to pernicious anaemia and require maintenance therapy (you will need to bring proof of this on the day of your appointment)
How can I get the Vitamin B12 test?: You can have a test from your GP and will need to bring a completed form from them. You can also test with Superdrug Online Doctor. Order your test kits from Superdrug Online Doctor. You will need to bring the results of the test to your appointment.
I have already started Vitamin B12 therapy – can I get my injection here? Yes! You can book an appointment and get your GP to complete the form sent to you, prior to your appointment.
How often will I need the injection?: The injection can be given every 6 months if due to a dietary deficiency, or 2-3 months if the cause of your low B12 levels is pernicious anaemia.
How do I book?: You can book your appointment online, on our booking platform.
Prices
| Per Dose | £29 |
How it Works
Frequently Asked Question
What is Vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient needed to keep your body fit and healthy. Your body doesn’t make it, it absorbs the vitamin from food – particularly meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Some people have conditions such as pernicious anaemia which stop them from getting as much as they need, other people, particularly those following a vegan diet, don’t get enough of the vitamin from their food.
Symptoms of deficiency can vary from person to person, but can include extreme tiredness and lack of energy, breathlessness and feeling faint, headaches, pale skin, heart palpitations and sometimes a loss of appetite and weight loss.
What do I do if I think I need Vitamin B12 injection?
To be treated at a Superdrug Health Clinic, we do need to check your levels of Vitamin B12, Folate and Intrinsic Factor Antibodies (IFAs) to understand the cause of your deficiency and ensure that you receive the right treatment.
If you are showing symptoms you can see your GP for a test or arrange it privately.
How do I make an appointment?
You can book an appointment in our Superdrug Health Clinics, if you have had diagnosis of Vitamin B12 deficiency from your GP, have a undergone bariatric surgery and need B12 for the prevention of deficiency or have received initial treatment following diagnosis of B12 deficiency due to pernicious anaemia and require maintenance therapy.
What are the side effects of the B12 injection?
The B12 injection is generally very safe. However, some people may experience some pain, swelling or redness at the injection site, and in much rarer cases headaches, itching or nausea. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen please contact your GP or 111.
