Somerset’s Tesco pharmacies – including at the Minehead store – are driving a campaign to boost the uptake of flu jabs and help save lives.

‘Helping You to Live Healthier’ sees Tesco Pharmacy, British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK join forces to encourage more people to get the jab and relieve some of the pressure on the NHS.

They are operating an online booking system so that customers can book a slot for the vaccination at a time that suits them, including evenings and weekends.

The flu jab can be booked online now and is free for groups that are eligible for a free NHS flu jab and is available for £9 for those who are not.

There are extensive Covid-19 safety and social-distancing measures in place to ensure that customers feel safe while using this service. The flu jab will be given by a Tesco pharmacist in a private consultation room that is cleaned before each appointment.

For Somerset people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, the flu can be deadly.

The flu jab was associated with a 50 per cent reduction in mortality during flu season for people living with type 2 diabetes, according to research carried out over a seven-year period.

Those who have heart and circulatory diseases can cut the risk of a heart attack by 27 per cent and of dying by 25 per cent if they have the flu vaccine.

Data shows that in the winter of 2019/20, there were around 6,600 excess deaths from heart and circulatory diseases in the UK, with flu likely to be a contributing factor.

Adrian Price, Tesco superintendent pharmacist, said: “We want to make getting the vaccination as easy as doing the weekly shop. We’re doing all we can to make it as convenient as possible for people to get their flu jab to protect themselves and their families.

“This is the most important flu jab ever for those at risk.”

Maureen Talbot, BHF senior cardiac nurse said on behalf of the Helping You to Live Healthier partnership: “People with conditions including heart disease, diabetes and many cancers are at increased risk of severe illness if they get the flu. This year, the presence of Covid-19 adds to that risk, so it’s even more important that people get vaccinated. 

“We’d encourage everyone with a qualifying health condition to take up a free flu jab. Getting the jab will ensure protection as well as playing a part in helping to ease pressure on the NHS at an extremely busy time.”

To book a vaccination, go to tesco-pharmacy.quidini.com.