The UK’s largest pharmacy chain Boots paused new bookings for under-65s this week as stores struggled to cope with unprecedented demand. A spokesman last night confirmed the temporary ban would include vulnerable patients in the Government’s “at risk” categories. This year’s flu programme is expected to be the largest ever, delivering up to 30 million jabs in an effort to prevent a double whammy of influenza and Covid-19.
But with anxious Britons eager to get protected early, demand has rocketed far above usual levels for this time of year.
Ian Silvera, a 30-year-old communications consultant from London, said Boots’ halt on bookings for younger people had added “another level of uncertainty around Covid to my daily life”.
He said: “I have asthma and following government guidance I was planning to get my flu jab. I get my flu jab every year and as someone who has suffered from Covid, I want to make sure that my immunity is as high as possible, including protecting me from seasonal flu.”
Labour’s shadow minister for public health, Alex Norris, urged the Government to ensure there were enough doses available and capacity to deliver them. He said: “It is incredibly concerning to hear reports of vulnerable people being turned away when trying to get flu jabs.
“The upcoming dangers of a second wave of Covid-19 coinciding with winter flu have been very clear to all of us for a long time.” Deliveries of the vaccine are phased throughout winter and there are different jabs for specific age groups.
Boots said it had increased its order levels by 20 percent across the board in anticipation of increased demand.
It is still honouring any bookings already made and will continue vaccinations for the over 65s.
Other pharmacies were also experiencing record demand but were still able to take appointments. Lloyds Pharmacy said inquiries were 10 times higher than this time last year, while Superdrug said demand was up 112 percent.
Tesco had no supply problems but said it “would continue to monitor availability”.
Some patients have also had GP appointments postponed.
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Halcyon Nash, 63, from Petersfield, West Sussex, who lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said: “I have had pneumonia and bronchitis before. For the last 10 years I have had a free flu jab from my GP’s surgery.
“I got the letter through to book my slot depending on my age group and was told Oct 3. Now I’ve been told it’s Nov 7.”
Others vented their frustration on Twitter. Steph Cumberworth wrote: “Flu jab was due tomorrow at Boots, just been cancelled, and no appointments for under 65s.”
Charities said vulnerable patients should keep trying to book and consider alternative providers.
Emma Rubach, head of advice at Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, said: “Flu season lasts until spring, so whilst we’d encourage vaccination as early as possible, there is still plenty of time. It is encouraging to see that people are taking the risk seriously and are planning to get the jab which will protect them and the NHS.”
Eligibility has been extended to Year 7 pupils, household contacts of patients on the shielding list and everyone aged 50 and over. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “Delivery of flu vaccinations is phased and priority is given to those who are most at risk with others being asked to wait to later in the year.
“With Covid-19 still circulating, it is more important than ever to have the flu jab and we have sufficient vaccine for up to 30 million people in England.
“Vaccination deliveries for those in at-risk groups will continue throughout the winter months.”
