Tesco have launched a campaign to encourage people to get their flu vaccine. The Tesco Pharmacy have joined with the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK though the “Helping you to live healthier” Partnership.

By joining forces, they hope to encourage more people to protect themselves and their families by getting the flu jab.

For people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, the flu can be deadly. The flu jab has been associated with a 50% reduction in mortality during flu season for people living with type 2 diabetes, according to research carried out over a seven-year period.

For people with heart and circulatory diseases, having the flu vaccine cuts the risk of a heart attack by 27% and of dying by 25%.

Book your flu vaccine

To make vaccination more accessible, Tesco Pharmacy has begun operating an online booking system for customers to pick a day and time slot that suits them. The pharmacies also have longer open hours than most GP surgeries, so customers can get vaccinated at a time that doesn’t clash with their work or any other commitments. You can even combine it with your weekly shop!

The flu jab can be booked online now and is available in Tesco Pharmacy stores from September. It’s free for groups that are eligible for a free NHS flu jab and is available for £9 for those who are not.

Tesco have ensured that there are extensive Covid-19 safety measures in place, including social distancing. The jab will be administered by a Tesco Pharmacist in a private consultation room that is thoroughly cleaned before each new appointment.

Adrian Price, Tesco Superintendent Pharmacist said: “We want to make getting your 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, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation speaking on behalf of the Helping you to live healthier partnership, said: “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 you’re protecting yourself as well as playing your part in helping to ease pressure on the NHS at an extremely busy time.”