Lloyds Pharmacy is urging people to book their flu jabs ahead of the first winter without covid restrictions. With increased social activity and international travel compared to last year, health experts are warning there could be high levels of flu transmission.
The pharmacy's pre-booking service for flu vaccinations is now open and people are being urged to sign up. It predicts a 20% increase compared to 2021 in bookings for flu jabs.
Last year was a record-breaking year for the flu vaccine roll-out. There were over half a million administered nationwide across Lloyds Pharmacy stores alone, a year-on-year increase of 11%.
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. 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.” Customers can book for both NHS and private flu vaccines online at LloydsPharmacy.com.
Those who pre-registered online will be contacted to book an available slot at their community pharmacy. Customers at higher risk from flu will be eligible for a free NHS vaccine at their local Lloyds Pharmacy.
This currently includes people over 50 years old, those with underlying health conditions, frontline health, or social care workers and those who are pregnant. 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." For more information, visit www.lloydspharmacy.com/pages/flu-vaccination
