Independent pharmacy chain Well Pharmacy has issued a warning to encourage people to book their flu jabs as soon as possible, as new research revealed today shows a real sense that ‘vaccine fatigue’ has set in across the UK.
Well Pharmacy is concerned as the winter flu season is expected to be worse than usual – and research 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.
23% of people said they feel people are tired of hearing about vaccines, with 14% confessing they themselves are bored of hearing about jabs – despite 38% of people saying they are grateful to have access to flu and Covid vaccines.
The level of ‘vaccine fatigue’ these findings suggest is concerning – especially as, with Covid- 19 still impacting the health of the nation, research has shown that if people catch flu and Covid at the same time they could become seriously ill.
Recent data from NHS England shows that only just over half of those who are entitled to a Covid booster jab this autumn have had one so far. The poll also found that 35% of people feel there should be more ‘walk-in’ appointments.
George Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, said: “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.
“Although most people recover from the flu virus, it can become very serious. Community Pharmacy plays a vital role in supporting the NHS.
“We have mobile health clinics visiting cities across the UK and can provide flu vaccines in all our community pharmacies which can be booked online, alongside walk in appointments in some areas. We are committed to helping as many people as possible and we have highly trained and experienced vaccinators ready to protect the local communities we serve.
“We know it has been a very difficult and busy time for many, but this 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.”
People can book their vaccinations by visiting www.well.co.uk/flu where the booking page is now live.
What is flu?
Flu is an illness caused by an infection from the influenza virus. The virus infects your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs.
Flu is highly contagious and spreads easily between people, particularly in winter as the influenza virus lives and grows best in cold and dry conditions.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu can cause symptoms similar to a cold, but they tend to come on faster and can be more severe. Symptoms will vary for each person, but common flu symptoms include:
· Headaches
· Sore throat
· Stuffy or runny nose
· Persistent, dry cough
· Chills and sweats
· High temperature (fever)
· Aching muscles
· Tiredness
· Loss of appetite
· Diarrhoea
· Feeling and being sick.
Is flu dangerous?
Most people recover from flu in around one week without any complications.
However, flu can be more serious for some people. It can also cause dangerous complications, like pneumonia and heart problems and can be fatal in severe cases.
People who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu include:
· Adults over 65
· Children under five
· Pregnant women
· People with a long-term medical condition, like diabetes, heart or lung disease
· People with a weakened immune system, for example due to chemotherapy or HIV
· People who are frequently exposed to flu, like healthcare workers.
If you have flu symptoms and you're at risk of becoming seriously ill or your symptoms don't improve after seven days, call 111 or visit NHS 111 online.
How does the flu vaccine work?
Getting the flu vaccine is an effective way to protect yourself and others from flu. It’s given as a single injection, usually into your upper arm.
The vaccine helps your immune system produce antibodies that protect against the influenza virus. If you do get flu after having the vaccine, you will usually experience milder symptoms and recover quicker.
Early signs indicate that the NHS may face a surge in flu cases this winter, alongside Covid-19 infections.
It can take between 10 and 14 days for the vaccine to start working.
Eligibility and cost
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination you can let us know when booking your appointment and you won’t be charged.
You’ll need to bring some evidence with you to your appointment that shows you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, like proof of age or a reminder letter or text message. If you're unable to provide this evidence on the day of your vaccination, you will be charged £15. Our flu vaccination service in Wales is funded by NHS Wales. If you pay for your flu vaccine, it costs £15.
