Boots UK will kick off the largest Winter Flu Jab programme in its history this week as it announces plans to support the NHS to deliver COVID-19 booster vaccinations too.
Bookings for Boots’ Winter Flu Jab Service have increased by two-thirds (67%) compared to last year, with over one-third of appointments at Boots already reserved for pre-booked private and NHS patients.
Boots is running its biggest ever flu vaccination season on record, aiming to administer three times the number of vaccinations between September 2021 and March 2022 compared to the 2020-21 season. Appointments for the Winter Flu Jab Service at Boots start on 17th September.
The leading health and pharmacy retailer will also support the NHS to deliver COVID-19 booster jabs this winter season at vaccination hubs in select pharmacies, building on its delivery of nearly 800,000 first and second COVID-19 vaccinations since January 2021.
To support its delivery of Boots Winter Flu Jab Service and the plans for the roll out of COVID-19 booster jabs, Boots has expanded the number of stores that feature special vaccination hubs pharmacy areas – created initially to administer first and second COVID-19 vaccinations – to almost 100.
These stores will offer either flu or COVID vaccinations, or both. Stores that will offer COVID-19 boosters will be confirmed soon following discussions with the NHS. The Boots Winter Flu Jab Service is available at over 2,000 other stores in consultation rooms.
Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots UK, is advising patients book their flu appointment now if they can. He said: “With low prevalence over the past months possibly leading to a drop in flu immunity among the population, vaccinating against flu is even more important than in previous years.
“You can help to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu by booking a vaccination appointment as early as possible. Although we are seeing high demand at Boots, two-thirds of appointments for our Winter Flu Jab Service are still available.
“We also look forward to supporting the NHS to deliver COVID-19 booster jabs this winter to those who are eligible, at select Boots pharmacies. Many adults will be eligible for both a COVID-19 booster and a free NHS flu jab – having both offers optimum protection from getting seriously unwell from these viruses in the coming months.”
Boots Winter Flu Vaccination Service offers free flu jabs to those eligible** on behalf of the NHS, for those who are not eligible for a free NHS flu jab Boots offers the flu vaccination privately*** and is available at most Boots stores. Boots UK also offers a Corporate Flu Vaccination Service to employers. For more information and to book a flu jab from September, visit boots.com/flu.
*Covering the period from 1 July to 6 September in 2021 compared to the same period the previous year.
**If you’re eligible for the free NHS flu jab, it is available in most Boots pharmacies in England and Wales for customers aged 18+. Eligibility for a free NHS flu jab may be different in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Those living in areas where the free NHS flu jab is not available at Boots can, if eligible, get this through their GP and/or vaccination hubs in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability.
