Boots flu jab: Flu can be fatal and can circulate at the same time as Covid

BirminghamWorld speaks to Boots UK Chief Pharmacist Marc Donovan about the latest flu vaccination programme
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A recent survey conducted by Opinion found that nearly 32 per cent of people were unaware that flu and Covid 19 can circulate at the same time.

And over a quarter did not know that flu could be fatal.

This year will see the biggest ever flu vaccination programme in the UK with over 35 million people in England eligible for a free vaccine.

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Additionally there will be a roll out of the Covid booster jab programme.

Around 1.7 million people have been given a third jab so far and around 28 million people in England are eligible.

Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist, Boots UKMarc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist, Boots UK
Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist, Boots UK

Why it’s so important to get the flu jab?

Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist, Boots UK, said: “We expect that this winter may well be a difficult period of time both with Covid as well as flu circulating.

“So it’s vitally important that people are protected for themselves and their family members - as well as protecting the NHS.

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“Many people think that you would have many side effects from the flu vaccine.

“And, of course, we have had lots and lots of experience of flu vaccination and it’s a very safe treatment and intervention to protect people from catching flu and passing it on.

“Vaccines, as we’ve experienced over the past year, are vitally important to reduce the spread of common viruses as well as the coronavirus.

“And it’s vitally important that people consider and take up this offer.”

Boots has launched its winter flu jab programmeBoots has launched its winter flu jab programme
Boots has launched its winter flu jab programme

Are people in Birmingham taking the flu vaccine?

Valerie Barber from Streetly has already had hers.

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She said: “If they say it’s important to have it, then I will have it. And I trust them, that they know what they are saying.”

Alison Foden from Sutton Coldfield said: “I think there’s a lot of evidence pointing to the fact that this is really important to protect ourselves and other people.

“It’s the future really.”

With availability at medical centres, hubs, pharmacies and even supermarkets  - the message from medical experts is that it’s easy to get that vaccination done.

Click on the Boots Winter Flu Jabs Service link for more information

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