One in five people think they are too late to protect themselves from flu this winter¹, so to drive awareness that people can still have a winter flu vaccination, Boots UK is vaccinating the nation’s Santas to help keep them flu free in the run up to their big day.

 
With December notoriously the busiest month of the year, vaccination against flu is a convenient way for people to help protect themselves from flu this winter so they can make the most of the festive season and beyond.
 
Deepa Songara, Boots UK flu pharmacist says: “It is not too late for people to consider the Boots Winter Flu Jab Service to help protect themselves from flu.  The lead up to Christmas can be the time of year when the flu virus can spread more easily making people more susceptible to coming down with the flu.  A winter flu vaccination reduces the likelihood of you catching flu in the first place so even if you decided to have the vaccination last year, you should consider having it again, as over time protection from the flu vaccination gradually decreases.”

Tim Dawkins a Santa from London said “I spend the whole year preparing for December so the last thing I want is to come down with flu when I need to be sliding down chimneys.  This Christmas it should only be Rudolph that has a red nose! ”
 
With so many winter bugs flying round, to help you stay well this winter Boots UK has launched the NEW 1,2,3 to Winter Wellness pack (£12.99)* which includes the Winter Flu Jab Service along with a gel nasal spray and vitamin C tablets at no extra cost (In selected stores only and subject to eligibility criteria, product and pharmacist availability).
 
To book the Boots Winter Flu Jab Service online in one of 250 stores or find your nearest store offering the service visit: www.boots.com/flujab   

Vaccination against flu is particularly important for anyone who is aged over 65, pregnant or for adults and children over six months old who have a condition such as asthma, diabetes or a weakened immune system.  Talk to your local pharmacist or GP who will be able to advise on if you are eligible for a free winter flu vaccination as part of the NHS flu vaccination programme.  There are currently 921 Boots stores nationwide which can provide a free flu vaccination service to particular groups on behalf of the National Health Service (NHS). Talk to your local pharmacy team to find your nearest store offering the NHS flu vaccination programme. (Subject to eligibility criteria and pharmacist availability).

CAPTION
‘Tis the season to vaccinate: 25 Santas line up outside a Boots pharmacy for their winter flu vaccination to help keep them well during the festive season as new research shows one in five people wrongly believe they are too late to help protect themselves from flu this winter.
 

 
 
For more information or interviews with Deepa Songara please contact the Boots Press Office on 020 7025 6657/ bootshealthteam@redconsultancy.com
 

Notes to editors

 
*1,2,3 to Winter Wellness pack (£12.99) includes;
 

 
The 1,2,3 to Winter Wellness pack is available from now until early 2015.