Boots UK is piloting a new pneumonia vaccination service to help raise the health and happiness of the nation by providing adults 50 years and over, who are more likely to catch pneumonia than those aged under 50, with an option to help protect themselves. Figures show that there are 40% more people in their 50s who get pneumonia compared to those in their 40s.¹

 

Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death due to infection in the UK, with the nation having one of the highest mortality rates from pneumonia in Europe.² With the risk of catching pneumonia increasing with age, particularly after 50, the new pilot service that launched in December complements the pneumonia vaccination currently available on the NHS to those 65 and over or with a long-term health condition.

 

Pneumonia affects around 1 in 125 UK adults each year, in particular during autumn and winter.² 2016 has seen increasing awareness of pneumonia due to high profile figureheads catching the infection, including Hilary Clinton during the presidential race and Frank Williams, the founder of Williams F1 team. Despite this, and the fact that people are generally aware of the availability of private flu vaccinations, the availability and benefit of a pneumonia vaccination is less well known.

 

Boots pharmacist, Angela Chalmers comments, “Many people don’t realise that anyone can catch pneumonia, not just those deemed at ‘high risk’. Additionally, flu can increase chances of catching pneumonia. Specially trained pharmacists in Boots stores offering this service are able to provide the pneumonia vaccination service and flu vaccination service and can also offer additional advice on staying well this winter.”

 

The Boots UK Pneumonia Vaccination Service provides those aged 50 and over* who are not eligible for an NHS vaccination, an option to better protect their health. The vaccination encourages your body to produce antibodies to help protect you from pneumococcal infection. This means you're less likely to become ill if you come into contact with the bacteria that cause pneumonia.

The new service is being piloted in 51 Boots UK stores across the nation from 23 January 2017 and costs £70. One vaccination is required. To book your pneumonia vaccination appointment at Boots go instore or online at boots.com/pneumonia.

 

*subject to eligibility criteria

 

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Notes to editors:

 

For more information or additional quotes from Boots Pharmacist, Angela Chalmers, please contact the Boots UK Press Office:

Boots UK Press Office: 020 7025 6657/ bootshealthteam@redconsultancy.com 

 

About Boots UK

Boots UK (boots.com), the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, is part of the Retail Pharmacy International Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.  With 2,509*stores in the UK, Boots UK is committed to providing exceptional customer and patient care, be the first choice for pharmacy and healthcare and offer innovative 'only at Boots' exclusive products such as the UK’s leading skincare brand No7, all delivered with the great value customers love. Created over 165 years ago, the Boots brand is still at the heart of the communities it serves.

*As of 31 August 2016, excluding equity method investments

 

References:

1. https://statistics.blf.org.uk/pneumonia

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Pneumonia/Pages/Introduction.aspx