• 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.

 

- ENDS –

 

For more information please contact bootshealth@apteamwpp.com or call 020 3193 3382.

*At risk groups include those who are pregnant, have diabetes, are asthmatic or have a long term health condition as well as certain carers

NHS Flu Jab Service is available for those 18 years and over in most Boots pharmacies in England and Wales and in selected pharmacies in Scotland. Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability

** Boots private Winter Flu Jab Service is available in most Boots pharmacies across the UK for those aged 16 years and over and is available for those aged 12-15 years in selected Boots pharmacies, injectable vaccination only. Appointments for those aged 12-15 years can only be booked in-store. Eligibility criteria apply, Subject to availability

*** Data provided by Kantar. Sample size: 1200 nationally representative. Data collection period was 27^th April – 17^th May

 

Research by Boots UK also found:[ii]

• 30% of people in the UK are more conscious about catching flu this winter than in previous years[iii]
• 50% of people in the UK haven’t previously had a flu vaccination
• Over a third (34%) of people in the UK who are considering getting a flu vaccination this year have revealed it’s because they want to help alleviate potential added pressure on the NHS
• 57% of people in the UK said getting a flu vaccination is important in helping protect the health of themselves and their family this winter
• Almost half (49%) of people in the UK were unaware that if eligible, they could claim their free flu jab at their local Boots pharmacy

 

 

Full list of pharmacy services now available in Boots stores or on Boots.com.

 

Pneumonia Vaccination Service

Chickenpox Vaccination Service

HPV Vaccination Service

Meningitis B Vaccination Service

Travel Vaccination Service

Cystitis Test & Treat Service

Mole Scanning Service

Skin Scanning Service

Stop Smoking Online Clinic

Acne Online Clinic

Hair Loss Online Clinic

Diabetes Online Risk Assessment

Erectile Dysfunction Online Clinic

Period Delay Online Clinic

Premature Ejaculation Online Clinic

 

 

[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..

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

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