Anyone can get a free flu jab at 242 supermarkets across England next week – as bookings open for 6,000 appointments

A MAJOR UK supermarket is giving out free private flu jabs across 242 of its branches next week, helping Brits to get winter-ready. Bookings are already open for appointments, with 6,000 available nationwide. A major British supermarket is giving out thousands of free flu jabs next week Credit: Getty Asda is offering free private flu vaccinations in its 242 supermarket pharmacies, with bookings now open to any resident in England. Up to 6,000 appointments will be available nationwide for September 14, with the scheme hoping to help the public prepare for the upcoming flu season. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Richard Harrison, Asda Pharmacy’s health care services manager, said: “Our free flu jab service is about removing barriers and making it easier than ever for people to protect themselves and those around them. “We’re proud to be able to help people access flu vaccinations more easily, giving them one less thing to worry about as we head into the colder months.” WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A FLU VACCINE? The NHS gives free flu vaccines to people who are most at risk of severe symptoms. They include: Pregnant women All nursery- and school-aged children Over-65s People aged 18 to 64 who are vulnerable due to ill health Care home residents Carers Frontline NHS staff and care workers People who live with someone with a very weak immune system People classed as homeless Unlike the free NHS flu vaccination, which launched for people aged 65 and over, as well as other vulnerable individuals on October 1, there is no eligibility criteria at Asda with anyone able to book a free flu jab. In the winter months, flu is known to be a serious illness, leading to thousands of inpatient stays each day in hospitals, with the vaccination being one of the most effective ways to prevent it. Millions of pregnant women and children became eligible to get their NHS flu jab on September 1, with bookings for other adults now officially open. Asda’s free flu jab service is exclusively available to customers who book ahead on the supermarket’s website. Most read in Health WHEN FLU MIGHT BE SERIOUS ASK for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if: You or your child have symptoms of flu and: you’re worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms you’re 65 or over you’re pregnant you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV your symptoms do not improve after seven days You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 999 or go to A&E if you: get sudden chest pain have difficulty breathing start coughing up a lot of blood Source: NHS The appointments will only be available on September 14, with a charge being incurred for any flu jab bookings on later dates. Harrison continued to say: “We’re expecting strong demand, so we’d encourage anyone interested to book their appointment now. “By offering up to 6,000 free vaccinations in a single day, we’re helping more people access convenient healthcare in their local community. “But don’t worry, for those who miss out on the opportunity we still have great value all year round on vaccinations.” Comment now