LloydsPharmacy has joined forces with England football legend, David Seaman, and local Rotherham football club, Swallownest FC, in a bid to raise awareness and tackle flu this winter.
The beloved goalie joined the Northern Counties East Football League team in a training session yesterday, as LloydsPharmacy provided free flu jabs to the full team. The awareness driving initiative took place at the Club’s training ground in Rotherham, Yorkshire – a part of the country which regularly falls within the worst-hit areas for cases of seasonal flu.
Experts have predicted that the flu season will be at an all-time high this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so there has never been a more important time to be protected against the virus – particularly for those over the age of 50 years old, who now qualify for a free NHS vaccine.
Typically, only 35% of adults get the flu jab every year, but new research from LloydsPharmacy shows this is on the up, as over half of respondents (56%) intend to get the flu vaccine this year. Which will only help to ensure that Brits miss out on fewer sociable events and special occasions this coming winter – a good sign for fans who cited supporting their local club’s games (19%) top of the list of missed social activities during the pandemic.
Former England Goalkeeper, David Seaman MBE said:
“I’m delighted to be working with LloydsPharmacy and the team at Swallownest FC to help raise awareness of the importance of getting the flu jab and protecting yourself, and others, as we head into flu season. We’ve all missed out on so much over the last 18 months, football matches and supporting local teams being a big part of this, so now is not the time to let the side down.
“It’s great to see more people wanting to get a flu jab this winter, no one wants to miss out on their Club’s games – we missed enough of the action last year. So, book your appointment, get vaccinated and avoid being benched this winter!”
LloydsPharmacy is also encouraging customers to book their flu vaccine and, since opening its flu booking service at the start of September, it has had over 400,000 appointments, with over half of bookings for people in high-risk groups and eligible for a free NHS vaccine.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of people over the age of 50+ years old, who don’t want to get the flu jab, would be encouraged to receive it if it was free – which it now is. This year, flu vaccinations are available for free for anyone over the age of 50 years old, including those who turn 50 by March 31, 2022.
Deep Patel, LloydsPharmacy’s Vaccination Services Manager said:
“With the easing of restrictions, it’s very likely that we’ll see much greater levels of transmission of the influenza virus this winter and therefore many more cases and we all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe from flu this year
“Maintaining a strong, healthy immune system is one of the best ways to defend yourself against common bugs and viruses during the winter months and throughout the rest of the year as well. In the last six weeks alone, we’ve seen a 32% increase in the sales of winter medicines, as many start to take precautions as we head into cold and flu season. The flu vaccine offers additional protection, and importantly helps to prevent contracting and spreading the virus.”
Customers at higher risk from flu will be eligible for a free NHS vaccine and can book online at LloydsPharmacy. This now includes people over 50, as well as those with underlying health conditions, frontline health or social care workers and those who are pregnant.
Anyone over 18 but not in a high-risk group can still book a flu appointment at their local LloydsPharmacy too, costing just £14.99.
