The NHS has warned that people are more likely to be vulnerable to the flu this year as Covid-19 restrictions have now eased following two years of lockdown.
Experts have warned that the winter could see a “twindemic” of rising Covid-19 infections coupled with a surge in severe flu caused by the same virulent strain that’s sweeping the southern hemisphere.
The "twindemic" could strike simultaneously in the coming months and begin to develop from as early as October, rather than December as is usual.
This has led the NHS to once again encourage the public to go out and get their flu jab this winter, with Asda joining the effort by introducing a new cash incentive for people to get their winter flu injection.
Here's everything you need to know about where to get the winter flu jab this year:
Asda
Asda has recently launched its annual flu jab service, giving customers the opportunity to book in their jabs at their nearest Asda Pharmacy, and receive a cash reward for doing so through Asda Rewards.
Asda shoppers who book a private flu jab at one of 254 Asda Pharmacies before the October 23 will be credited £1 into their cash pot within the Asda Rewards app.
The rewards offer must be redeemed in-store by October 23.
Asda’s private flu jab is priced at £9.98 if you are not able to receive the free injection, which is also offered at Asda pharmacies through the NHS for those who are eligible.
Faisal Tuddy, Superintendent Pharmacist at Asda, said: “It’s so important to get a flu jab, especially if you are vulnerable or if you’re visiting family members this winter.
“We want to give back to shoppers who book their jab, which is why we’re giving Asda Rewards users the opportunity to earn some money in their cash pot which they can then put towards their essentials.”
To book, customers simply have to visit their in-store pharmacy team or head to the booking service available online.
Appointments are available seven days a week, with a range of appointment times throughout the day.
Tesco
Tesco are offering the free NHS flu jab this winter to those who are eligible in their in-store pharmacies.
If you are not eligible for an NHS injection, Tesco are offering an £11 Flu Jab service to customers aged 12 years and over.
To find your local Tesco pharmacy, please see here.
Superdrug
Superdrug are offering the NHS flu vaccination service for free for at risk groups who are eligible.
The retailer is offering the quadrivalent flu jab, which protects against the four most common strains of the flu this flu season.
The regular jab is priced at £15.99 for those who are not eligible for the free injection.
Customers can either walk-in or book an appointment at their local Superdrug pharmacy.
More information on how to book an appointment is available here.
Local pharmacies
The likes of Boots and Lloyds pharmacies are offering the flu jab this year, provided that you are over the age of 18.
A recent survey by Lovemoney revealed that £16.99 was the most common price for the winter flu jab this year, although Asda was offering a jab for just £9.98.
Pharmacies may also have the free vaccine for those who are eligible under the NHS.
You can find a local pharmacy providing the service near you here.
Who is eligible for the free winter flu jab?
Currently, the NHS flu vaccine is free to all adults who:
- are aged 65 and over (including those who will have turned 65 by March 31, 2023)
- have certain pre-existing health conditions
-
are in long-stay residential care
-
receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
-
live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system
- are pregnant
- are frontline health workers
- are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work.
For further information on conditions that qualify individuals for a free jab, please visit the NHS website.
