// Boots will kick off the largest Winter Flu Jab programme in its history
// The retailer has expanded the number of stores that will feature special vaccination hubs pharmacy areas
Boots is set to kick off the largest Winter Flu Jab programme in its history as it announces it will also being helping the NHS to deliver Covid-19 booster vaccinations.
Bookings for Boots’ Winter Flu Jab Service have increased 67 per cent compared to last year, with more than 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 last year’s season.
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Appointments for the Winter Flu Jab Service at Boots start September 17.
The health and pharmacy retailer will also support the NHS to deliver Covid booster jabs this winter season at vaccination hubs in selected pharmacies, building on its delivery of nearly 800,000 first and second COVID-19 vaccinations since January 2021.
Boots has expanded the number of stores that feature special vaccination hubs pharmacy areas which were created initially to administer first and second COVID-19 vaccinations to almost 100 in a bid to support its delivery of the winter jab service and the roll out of Covid booster jabs.
These stores will offer either flu or Covid vaccinations, or both.
Stores that will offer Covid boosters will soon be confirmed after discussions with the NHS.
The Boots Winter Flu Jab Service will be available at more 2,000 other stores in consultation rooms.
Boots UK chief Pharmacist Marc Donovan 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.”
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