Lloyds Pharmacy has issued a warning urging people to make sure they book their flu jabs. It comes as health experts predict that there could be high levels of flu transmission as Brits enter their first winter without Covid-19 restrictions in place.
The pharmacy's pre-booking service for flu vaccinations is already open, with people encouraged to sign up in time for the colder season, reports WalesOnline. It is predicting a 20 per cent increase in bookings for flu jabs compared to last year, which itself saw a record-breaking turnout, with more than half a million jabs administered nationwide across Lloyds Pharmacy stores.
Victoria Steele, Lloyds Pharmacy’s superintendent pharmacist, said: “For the first time in two years, we are entering a winter season without strict social distancing measures, mask restrictions or a ban on travel, making it more important than ever to get vaccinated against the flu, as early as possible."
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She continued: "It’s extremely likely that we’ll see much greater levels of transmission of the influenza virus this winter and therefore many more cases to treat, as a result of increased social activity and international travel. We are seeing this take place in Australia, where 27,000 cases of flu have been reported since June – which is nearly 10 times higher than they have been in the past five years.
"With this in mind, we are encouraging our customers to book their flu vaccines early online, to protect themselves and others before the colder weather sets in and flu starts to spread. And it’s important to note that it does take time for the body to develop its antibodies after any vaccine which is why planning is essential to ensure you are protected during the winter months and beyond.”
Both NHS and private flu vaccines are available to book online via the Lloyds Pharmacy website. Anyone who pre-registered online will be contacted to arrange a slot at their community pharmacy while those more at risk will be eligible for a free NHS vaccine at their local Lloyds Pharmacy.
This includes people aged 50 and above and those who have underlying health conditions. Frontline health and social care workers as well as those who are pregnant are also able to get a free flu vaccine.
A spokesperson for the company said: "We encourage people to visit the NHS website for the latest updates to the eligibility criteria. Anyone over 12 but not in a high-risk group can still book a paid flu appointment at their local Lloyds Pharmacy too."
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