Boots has expanded its autumn flu vaccination programme, providing flu jabs to those aged over 65 and adults aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions from October 1. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and young children, have been able to access flu jabs since September 1.
Booking and eligibility
Adults aged 65 or above can book an appointment at Boots.com or speak with their local Boots pharmacist to receive the flu jab from October 1. Those who do not qualify for an NHS flu vaccination can still arrange an appointment through the Boots Private Winter Flu Jab service.
Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have underscored the effectiveness of the seasonal jab, revealing that flu vaccinations substantially reduced the risk of hospital admission by up to 40% among adults aged 65 and over during the previous year.
Pharmacist advice
Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, said: "Flu can make people feel very unwell and may pose a serious risk to those considered to be vulnerable. As we head into autumn, it's a good idea to plan ahead and ensure you have your flu jab as early as possible to help protect yourself and those around you from flu and reduce the risk of passing the virus to others this winter."
Flu can prove particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. According to a pharmacist, the optimal time to receive a flu jab is in the autumn, before the virus begins to spread more widely. "This allows the body to obtain optimum protection. After you've received the jab, it usually takes around 10 to 14 days for optimum protection, so it's best to book your vaccination as early as you can."
Eligible groups from October 1
Age 65+ years (including those turning 65 years on or before March 31, 2027). Age 18+ years with any of the following conditions: diabetes; asthma (treated with a preventer inhaler) / COPD or any other long-term lung condition; a long-term heart condition; kidney or liver disease; a neurological condition such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease or MSA learning disability; a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more (severely overweight); a weakened immune system (or are in close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system) due to a medical condition such as HIV.
Age 18+ years and: a carer in receipt of carer's allowance, or the main carer of an older or disabled person; a frontline healthcare worker in social care or a hospice that does not have an employer-led occupational health flu vaccination scheme; living in long-stay residential care.
