Independent pharmacy chain Well Pharmacy has reduced the cost of the flu jab by £5 to £10, as concern mounts over flu cases, cold weather and an increased sense of vaccine fatigue. With the majority of people under 50 not entitled to a free NHS vaccine, Well Pharmacy is urging people to get a flu jab as a matter of urgency.
Recent stats for the USA show the highest number of flu cases in over 10 years, and the pharmacy chain is worried that the UK is looking set for similar figures and is urging people who haven’t been vaccinated to do so, to protect themselves and others around them.
Well Pharmacy is concerned as the winter flu season is expected to be worse than usual – and research recently carried out by the chain shows that a quarter of people (25%) think that after so many Covid-19 jabs in the last few years, ‘vaccine fatigue’ has well and truly set in, leading to a perceived lack of motivation in others to get their jabs. The chain also wants to encourage people to have their Covid-19 boosters, as now people are spending more time indoors together, the virus has more opportunity to spread.
With the cost-of-living crisis snapping at the heels of many people, and the cold weather imminent, one of the best things people can do is protect themselves and get jabbed.
George Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, said: “We are set for a really cold winter. Along with concerns over the cost of heating our homes and worries about Christmas, it is easy to forget to book a jab, but we really urge people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We are seeing worrying stats from overseas, and we know we are set for one our worst flu seasons in recent history. We have reduced the cost of our flu jabs here at Well and would also urge people to check if they qualify for a free NHS vaccination.
“It’s deeply concerning that there seems to be a sense of vaccination fatigue, as it really is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.
“We know it has been a difficult and busy time for many, but our recent research suggests that 22% of people are not likely to have a flu vaccination, and 14% are very unlikely to have one. This adds up to a lot of people who are at risk of becoming unwell this flu season, which is why getting your vaccine as soon as possible really matters. We really do urge people to ACT now and get vaccinated.”
People can book their vaccinations by visiting https://services.well.co.uk/ - the website may still reflect the former £15 fee, but once booked, charge will be £10.
