Vulnerable customers at the Mansfield Asda can now get their Covid booster jabs and Flu vaccinations while they’re doing their weekly shop, with the opening of a new pop-up vaccination site in partnership with Pharmacy2U.
As the colder months dawn upon us, the NHS and national health experts are expecting a spike in both Covid-19 and flu this winter. So, Asda and Pharmacy2U have joined forces to provide an easy and convenient way for thousands of people who are most at risk to top up their vaccinations.
As well as delivering vaccinations, the partnership seeks to help relieve pressure on the NHS at a time where they need help the most.
Covid-19 jabs and flu vaccines will be administered to those eligible in-store from Wednesday. Bookings for vaccinations at the Pharmacy2U – Asda site must be made through the NHS website. All vaccinations will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Those under the age of 18 are asked to attend their appointment with a parent or guardian.
The move comes after Asda was the first supermarket to provide in-store Covid vaccinations in January 2021 and is part of the retailer’s strategy to help customers have easy access to essential health services.
Asda has 60 Health Hubs across the UK providing critical NHS services instore and in car parks, including Diabetic Eye screenings, MRI scans and lung health checks. These services not only aim to elevate public health, but they also aim to reduce the strain on GPs and NHS trusts.
Commenting on the service, Faisal Tuddy, Head of Pharmacy, shared, “Teaming up with Pharmacy 2U showcases Asda’s ambition to be there for our customers and local communities when it matters most. We have always prided ourselves on ensuring our shops are more than just places to pick up your weekly groceries; they’re places where you can also take a simple step to look after your health and the well-being of those around you.”
Kevin Heath, CEO of Pharmacy2U, added: “At Pharmacy2U, we’re committed to making healthcare fast and convenient for patients. We are therefore incredibly proud to have partnered with Asda to bring vaccinations to a place of ease for our patients whilst continuing to support the NHS in protecting those who are most vulnerable. This vaccination programme will play a key part in alleviating some of the pressures that the NHS are currently experiencing.”
Pharmacy2U will be offering the booster to those who are most vulnerable as the risk of severe Covid continues to be strongly associated with increasing age and underlying health conditions. The following groups will be eligible for a free NHS Covid-19 booster jab this season, as well as a free flu jab:
● People aged 65 years and over
● Care home residents
● Carers aged 16-49 years old
● Anyone aged 12 to 64 years or older with a weakened immune system
● Anyone aged 6 months to 64 years with existing health conditions that put them at risk, including pregnant women
● People living with others who have weakened immune systems
● Frontline health and social care workers, including care home staff
Those who received an autumn booster last year were 53% less likely to go to the hospital with Covid in the two to four weeks after getting vaccinated, compared to those who didn't get a booster. The NHS vaccinated almost 84% of over-80s and more than 73% of 65-70-year-olds, helping to protect the most vulnerable and helping us to continue life with Covid still among us.
To book appointments for Covid-19 and flu vaccines and to see clinic operating hours, visit https://www.pharmacy2u.co.uk
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