Boots UK has seen record sign ups since inviting patients to register their interest for its Winter Flu Jab Service at the beginning of June.

Over 85,000 people signed up to be the first to know when appointments are available for the Winter Flu Jab service at Boots in the first week of the waiting list launching, compared with 54,000 sign ups during the same period in 2020 – an increase of 57 per cent.

The UK’s biggest health and beauty retailer is now preparing to meet this demand by increasing its capacity to deliver more flu jabs from September 2021 than in any previous winter season.

To do this, Boots plans to create special hubs to deliver flu vaccinations at dedicated areas in some of its pharmacies – similar to its COVID-19 vaccination hubs at over 50 of its stores – rather than relying on its consultation rooms alone.

Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots UK, said: “With low prevalence over the past months possibly leading to a drop in flu immunity among the population, flu vaccinations are even more important than in previous years. We are anticipating our biggest ever flu season this winter and preparing to deliver more jabs than ever on behalf of the NHS, and privately for those who are not eligible for a free NHS flu jab. 

“We have greater capacity than before as a result of the work we have done to support the NHS to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations. To help meet the demand, we are planning to create special hubs to deliver flu vaccinations at dedicated areas in some of pharmacies, rather than relying on our consultation rooms alone. With almost all UK adults having had their first COVID-19 vaccination, I would encourage people to consider a flu jab from September.”

To register interest in receiving a flu jab at Boots from September, patients can register their interest at boots.com/flu2021.