- This winter it will be more important than ever for people to get winter flu vaccinations says Boots Chief Pharmacist
- New for this year, customers can register their interest in getting vaccinated on Boots.com
- New safety measures and processes have been adopted in store to keep customers safe
With people across the UK being more conscious about protecting the health of themselves and their families, Boots has announced their Winter Flu Jab Service will be returning and customers can register their interest now on Boots.com. Once customers have registered, they will be the first to hear when online appointment bookings open in July. Appointments will then be available from September to both customers who are eligible for a free NHS flu jab or as part of the private vaccination service.
Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist, at Boots says: “As COVID-19 continues to be present in the UK, it is more important than ever for people to consider getting their flu vaccination this year. Although the flu vaccination does not prevent Coronavirus in any way, both of these viruses have an impact on the respiratory system so if you can prevent the flu, it can be a huge benefit to your overall health including your immune system.
“We also know that winter is a particularly busy time for GPs and hospitals. Vaccinating to protect against influenza could help reduce the risk of the NHS becoming overwhelmed with both cases of flu and COVID-19. We are glad to be opening a list for customers to register their interest in a flu vaccination, so they can plan ahead and look to protect themselves ahead of the winter flu season”.
New safety measures and processes have been adopted in store to ensure the experience for customers and colleagues is as safe as possible when someone comes in for their flu jab or another pharmacy service.
For the Winter Flu Jab Service, prior to their appointment, customers will be asked to read key information online and where possible, attend their appointment on their own to avoid overcrowding. Customers will also be asked to adhere to social distancing measures in waiting areas, sanitise their hands and wear a face mask or covering during their appointment. It is also advised that customers bring their own pen to complete any essential paperwork and they will be asked not to speak to the pharmacist during the actual vaccination to minimise the risk of droplet spreading. If the consultation room is small, it’s possible the pharmacist will ask to keep the door open during the appointment.
“Understandably we know our customers are more conscious about the measures they take to safeguard their health right now, especially when they are out and about. Since the beginning of lockdown Boots has remained open after being named an essential retailer and throughout this time we have prioritised the safety of our customers and colleagues. 79% of customers have said they feel safe during their visit to Boots and 77% feel the store has been well organised to protect their safety[1], so hopefully people will feel reassured when coming into store for their flu vaccination or any other pharmacy appointment” adds Marc Donovan.
As well as the new measures put in place to ensure customer safety at pharmacy appointments, anyone coming into store will continue to see perspex screens covering all counters, tills and self-checkouts. Boots pharmacy colleagues will also continue to wear appropriate PPR equipment which may include perspex visors when working in areas which to not facilitate social distancing.
Register your interest for the Winter Flu Jab Service at Boots by visiting: www.boots.com/flu-2020.
To find out more about the pharmacy services available at Boots now, visit: www.boots.com/health-pharmacy-advice.
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For more information please contact bootshealth@apteamwpp.com or call 020 3193 3382.
Full list of pharmacy services now available in Boots stores or on Boots.com.
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Pneumonia Vaccination Service |
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Chickenpox Vaccination Service |
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HPV Vaccination Service |
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Meningitis B Vaccination Service |
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Travel Vaccination Service |
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Cystitis Test & Treat Service |
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Mole Scanning Service |
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Skin Scanning Service |
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Stop Smoking Online Clinic |
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Acne Online Clinic |
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Hair Loss Online Clinic |
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Diabetes Online Risk Assessment |
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Erectile Dysfunction Online Clinic |
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Period Delay Online Clinic |
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Premature Ejaculation Online Clinic |
About Boots UK
Boots UK (boots.com), the UK’s largest 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 2,465* stores in the UK, its purpose is to champion everyone’s right to feel good. 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 No7, a leading UK skincare brand, Soap and Glory and Liz Earle.
Created 170 years ago, the Boots brand is still at the heart of the communities it serves.
*As of 31 August 2019, excluding equity method investments.
[1] Data provided by Kantar. Sample size: 1200 nationally representative. Data collection period was 27th April – 17th May