Flu season is an annual occurrence, with seasonal influenza returning in the winter and infection millions worldwide. With the UK still reeling from the impacts of coronavirus and continuing rising cases, those eligible for a flu jabs have been urged to get one before December.
Flu season typically begins in December, but there have been some instances of it starting as early as October.
The flu jab provides protection against this year’s strain of flu, ensuring those who could develop complications or severe symptoms do not do so.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has increased the capacity for flu vaccinations this year, in order to prevent the double whammy of flu and coronavirus on the already stretched NHS.
However the increased numbers getting the vaccine has already thrown up some issues, with some providers suspending bookings to catch up with demand.
Read More: Coronavirus crisis: Under-65s turned away in rush for flu jabs
Can you get the flu jab at Boots? How to book a flu vaccination
Boots is one pharmacy which provides the flu jab on the NHS for those eligible.
However, this week the chemist has had to suspend bookings for the vaccine due to “unprecedented demand”.
A message to customers on the Boots Winter Flu 2020 site states: “Due to unprecedented demand for flu vaccinations this year and stock availability we have had to suspend bookings.
“We are working hard to acquire additional stock of the flu vaccine so that we are able to make appointments available again.”
This applies to bookings of all ages, with customers asked to put their contact information in on the Boots website to be notified once the booking system reopens.
Boots is not the only place you can get vaccinated however, with most pharmacies and GP surgeries offering the jab.
Lloyds, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s pharmacies are also giving the flu jab this year.
If you head to website myvaccinations.co.uk and put your postcode in, you will be shown a map and a list of where your closest pharmacy offering the vaccine is.
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Who should get the flu jab?
Those eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS are
- People aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- People with health conditions like kidney disease, asthma or heart disease
- Carers or those working in care homes
- Front line health and social care workers
- Children over six months with long term health conditions
- Children aged two and three
- Children in primary school
The Government has also pledged to extend the vaccine to Year Seven pupils and anyone aged 50 and over.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in July: “It’s mission critical that we pull out all the stops to get ready for winter, and the Prime Minister has already announced £3 billion to protect the NHS.
“We are now taking another important step to help protect the wider public by giving the flu vaccination to more people than ever before.
“This will be the biggest flu vaccination programme in history, and will help protect our NHS as we head into winter.
“If you are eligible for a free vaccine, whether it’s for the first time or because you usually receive one, then I would urge you to get it, not just to protect yourself, but to protect the NHS and your loved ones, from flu.”
If you had the flu jab last year you should still get it this year as the flu mutates each year – meaning your last vaccine will not protect you.
If you are not eligible for the free NHS vaccine but still want to get the jab, you can opt to do so privately.
This costs up to £15 and is available at most pharmacies.
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