• Boots prepares for what could be the biggest year for flu vaccinations yet
• This winter it will be more important than ever for people to get winter flu vaccinations says Boots Director of Pharmacy
• To meet demand, Boots is opening its online booking system early and customers will be able to schedule in their appointments within the next few days
• Over 80,000 people have registered their interest in the Boots Winter Flu Jab Service

 With more people than ever considering a flu jab this winter, new research commissioned by Boots UK reveals that almost a third (32%) are doing so because they are more aware of the need to protect themselves against flu as a result of the recent Coronavirus pandemic[ii].

Today, Boots has announced that it will be opening its booking system earlier this year to help more customers plan ahead to get their flu jabs before the winter months and help relieve pressure on the NHS. Customers will be able to book their appointments online and in storewithin the next few days with appointments available at Boots from mid-September.

Anne Higgins, Director of Pharmacy at Boots UK says: “As COVID-19 continues to be present in the UK, it is more important than ever for people to consider getting their flu vaccination. Although the flu vaccination does not prevent COVID-19, both of these viruses have an impact on the respiratory system so if you can prevent flu, it can be a huge benefit to your overall health including your immune system.We also know that winter is a particularly busy time for GPs and hospitals so getting vaccinated early to protect against flu could help reduce the risk of the NHS becoming overwhelmed with both cases of flu and COVID-19.”

Boots found that almost a quarter (24%) of people studied were unaware they can get a free NHS flu vaccination from their local pharmacy if they are part of a group deemed ‘at-risk’ by the NHS*,[i] saving the need to book an appointment with their GP. Following the recent government changes in England, this will include those aged 50-64 later this year. Boots will also continue to run its private service** where eligible customers can get the vaccination service for £13.99.

Throughout the pandemic Boots has prioritised the safety of its colleagues and customers and was recently named the safest retailer on the high street*** with 79% of its customers saying that they felt safe during their visit. In a bid to continue putting safety first, Boots has increased in-store measures to ensure all customers feel at ease when going for a vaccination for example,customers will be asked to read key information online and where possible attend their appointment on their own to avoid any crowding in the pharmacy area.

Customers will also be asked to adhere to social distancing measures in waiting areas, sanitise their hands and continue to wear a face-covering throughout their appointment. It is also advised that customers bring their own pen to complete any essential paperwork and they will be asked not to speak to the pharmacist during the actual vaccination to minimise the risk of droplet spreading. If the consultation room is small, the pharmacist may ask to keep the door open during the appointment.

Book your appointment for the Winter Flu Jab Service at Boots by visiting: boots.com/flu.

 

 

 

[ii] Boots Ominibus Survey of 2000 people, carried out by Censuswide, July 2020..

[i] Boots Ominibus Survey of 2000 people, carried out by Censuswide, July 2020..