Free NHS flu jab for pregnant women available at Boots now
Free NHS flu vaccinations are now available at Boots in England and Wales for pregnant women. The health and beauty retailer’s Superintendent Pharmacist is encouraging those eligible to book an appointment as soon as they can.
According to the latest figures from UK Health Security Agency, the uptake of flu jabs in pregnant women is at its lowest level since 2011, with only 32% of pregnant women receiving a flu jab last season (2023-2024) compared with 35% the year before (2022-2023)[3].
Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, said: “Flu is a viral infection that can make you feel seriously unwell. Flu symptoms can vary, however in most cases it can include a sudden high temperature, tiredness and weakness, headaches, a sore throat, difficulty sleeping and a loss of appetite.
“Pregnancy can change how the body responds to different infections, which is why pregnant women are considered to be at increased risk of serious complications from flu. A flu jab will help to protect not only the mother, but some protection will also be passed onto the baby too, lasting for the first few months of their lives.”
Claire also answers three commonly asked questions about getting a flu jab during pregnancy:
- “Is the flu vaccination appropriate to have during pregnancy? Yes, the flu vaccination is appropriate at any stage of pregnancy, from the first weeks of conception right up until labour. If you become pregnant later in the flu season, you can still have the jab.”
- “When should I get the flu vaccine? The best time to have a flu jab to ensure maximum protection is in the autumn months before the virus begins to circulate. This allows the body to obtain optimum protection and immunity. After you've received the jab, it usually takes around 10 to 14 days for you to be protected, so it’s best to book your vaccination as early as you can.”
- “Will the vaccination give me the flu? No, injected flu vaccinations contain a tiny amount of an inactive flu virus that cannot give you the flu. Some people may experience a temporary raised temperature and aching muscles, and you may feel sore at the injection site, but these side effects tend to be mild and only last for a day or so.”
Pregnant women can now get their free flu jab in most Boots stores. The flu jab is also available from today for private patients, subject to availability. It will then become available for other groups eligible for a free NHS vaccination from 3 October, in line with the NHS Flu and COVID-19 Seasonal Vaccination Programme for the autumn/winter season 2024-25. To book a private vaccination or a free NHS vaccination for 3 October onwards, visit boots.com/flu or visit your local Boots.
*The free NHS (or other locally funded) flu jab is available in most Boots pharmacies in England and Wales and in some Boots pharmacies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey. Also available in our Isle of Man pharmacy. Eligibility criteria apply and vary with locality. Subject to availability. Some people who do not meet the requirements for a free NHS (or other locally funded) flu jab in pharmacies can access the flu jab from their GP or in Scotland, at a vaccination centre. Speak to a member of our pharmacy team or see boots.com/flu for more details.
** The Boots Private Winter Flu Jab Service is available in almost 1,600 Boots stores. Service starts in September. Subject to specially trained pharmacist and stock availability. Eligibility criteria apply. Service costs £21.95 and £26.95 in Jersey. The service for those aged 11-15 is available in selected stores, injectable vaccine only. Appointments for those aged 11-15 are bookable in-store only. See boots.com/flu for more details.
*** The flu vaccination service will open up to people who are eligible for free jabs on the NHS from 3rd October. This includes those over the age of 65, people with certain underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and carers. Remaining eligible adults for free NHS flu vaccines will be able to access this from 3 October 2024.
