It also follows research carried out by the multiple, which indicates that “after so many COVID-19 jabs in the last few years, ‘vaccine fatigue’ has well and truly set in”, Well revealed today (December 9).

According to the latest World Health Organisation influenza update, cases have “increased steeply” in North America in the last few weeks.

“Recent stats for the USA show the highest number of flu cases in over 10 years,” Well said.

Flu test positivity rates in the UK have also jumped to 14.3%, up from 10.5% last week, according to data released by the UK Health Security Agency yesterday (December 8).

Read more: Teva alerts health secretary to energy prices impact on pharmacies

The move also comes amid soaring energy bills and rising food and fuel costs.

“With the cost-of-living crisis snapping at the heels of many people, and the cold weather imminent, one of the best things people can do is protect themselves and get jabbed,” the multiple said.

It is also encouraging people to book a COVID-19 booster appointment, “as now people are spending more time indoors together, the virus has more opportunity to spread”, it added.

When booking flu vaccinations online, “the website may still reflect the former £15 fee, but once booked, the charge will be £10”, Well said.

 

“We are set for one of our worst flu seasons in recent history”

 

Deputy superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, George Sandhu, also urged “people to get vaccinated as soon as possible”.

He added: “Along with concerns over the cost of heating our homes and worries about Christmas, it is easy to forget to book a jab.”

The sense of vaccination fatigue is “deeply concerning”, he warned.

“We know we are set for one of our worst flu seasons in recent history,” he added.

Read more: Cost-of-living crisis: How are pharmacies supporting their staff?

Well’s move is the latest pharmacy initiative to respond to mounting living costs.

Last month, Tesco announced that its employees – including those working in the supermarket’s pharmacies – will be able to get advances on their contractual pay, under a scheme set up to help them with unexpected or large expenses.

Meanwhile, in September, Boots launched a range of new ‘everyday’ value products priced between 50p and £1.50 to ensure that its customers are still able to afford “essential products” as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.

Last year saw a record-breaking year for the national community pharmacy flu vaccine rollout, with teams in England smashing their previous flu jab administration record within just two months of launching the 2021/22 service.

A total of 4.79 million flu vaccinations were administered by pharmacy teams in England in the 2021/22 season.

As of today, a total of 4.64 million flu vaccinations had been delivered by pharmacy teams through the 2022/23 service, according to data collated by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee.