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Boots UK sees strong early demand for flu jabs as it increases capacity for winter

23 June 2021
News Healthcare

Boots UK has seen record sign ups since inviting patients to register their interest for its Winter Flu Jab Service at the beginning of June.

Over 85,000 people signed up to be the first to know when appointments are available for the Winter Flu Jab service at Boots in the first week of the waiting list launching, compared with 54,000 sign ups during the same period in 2020 – an increase of 57 per cent.

The UK’s biggest health and beauty retailer is now preparing to meet this demand by increasing its capacity to deliver more flu jabs from September 2021 than in any previous winter season.

To do this, Boots plans to create special hubs to deliver flu vaccinations at dedicated areas in some of its pharmacies – similar to its COVID-19 vaccination hubs at over 50 of its stores – rather than relying on its consultation rooms alone.

Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots UK, said: “With low prevalence over the past months possibly leading to a drop in flu immunity among the population, flu vaccinations are even more important than in previous years. We are anticipating our biggest ever flu season this winter and preparing to deliver more jabs than ever on behalf of the NHS, and privately for those who are not eligible for a free NHS flu jab. 

“We have greater capacity than before as a result of the work we have done to support the NHS to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations. To help meet the demand, we are planning to create special hubs to deliver flu vaccinations at dedicated areas in some of pharmacies, rather than relying on our consultation rooms alone. With almost all UK adults having had their first COVID-19 vaccination, I would encourage people to consider a flu jab from September.”

To register interest in receiving a flu jab at Boots from September, patients can register their interest at boots.com/flu2021

Boots is preparing to meet this demand by increasing its capacity to deliver more flu jabs from September 20201 than in any previous winter season

Boots is preparing to meet this demand by increasing its capacity to deliver more flu jabs from September 20201 than in any previous winter season

Boots plans to create special hubs to deliver flu vaccinations at dedicated areas in some of its pharmacies – similar to its COVID-19 vaccination hubs

Boots plans to create special hubs to deliver flu vaccinations at dedicated areas in some of its pharmacies – similar to its COVID-19 vaccination hubs

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Boots is the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer with over 52,000 team members and around 1,900 stores, ranging from local community pharmacies to large destination health and beauty stores.*

Boots serves its customers and patients for life as the leading provider of healthcare on the high street and the UK’s number one beauty destination. It offers an unrivalled depth and breadth of products, which incorporates its extensive own brand range and innovative portfolio of brands, including No7, the UK’s No1 skincare brand, Soap & Glory, Liz Earle Beauty and Sleek MakeUP.

2024 marks Boots’ 175th anniversary year. Founder John Boot opened a herbalist store in Nottingham in 1849 to offer an affordable alternative to traditional medicines. His son Jesse expanded the business to become a modern retailer and the biggest chemist in Britain. Throughout its history, Boots has listened, learned and innovated, and it continues to challenge itself to improve its products and services every day.

Boots is part of Walgreens Boots Alliance, which is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail.  More company information is available on boots-uk.com.

*Figures accurate as of 31 May 2024