Tesco in Newbury launches campaign to boost flu jab uptake

A Newbury supermarket has launched a campaign to increase uptake of the flu jab by those most at risk, writes Declan Bowen.

The pharmacy at the Tesco store in Pinchington Lane has joined forces with the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK under the ‘Helping you to Live Healthier’ partnership, to encourage more people to protect themselves and their families.

Maureen Talbot, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation speaking on behalf of the 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.”

According to the partnership, for those living with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease the flu can be deadly.

It added that according to research conducted over a seven-year period the flu jab was associated with a 50 per cent reduction in mortality.

The flu jab also reduces the risk of heart attacks with those suffering with heart and circulatory diseases by 27 per cent and 25 per cent, it continued.

To help more Newbury residents access the vaccination, Tesco Pharmacy is running an online booking system so that customers can book a slot that suits them from evenings and weekends as well as scheduling it during their weekly shop.

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.”

The jab is free to all those who are eligible for a free NHS flu jab and £9 to those who are not.

To book online please visit: https://tesco-pharmacy.qudini.com/