Across the UK, pharmacists and GP surgeries are now limiting flu jabs to the most at-risk groups, due to a surge in demand.
In 2020, flu vaccinations are available for up to 30 million people, but due to 'unprecedented demand', pharmacists and stores such as Boots have had to suspend appointment booking systems for anyone outside of the vulnerable groups.
It's thought that, within the next few weeks winter flu will start circulating alongside the coronavirus (COVID-19), preventing yet another challenge to an overstretched NHS.
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The groups that are available for the free vaccination are:
- Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network
- People who were required to shield from coronavirus - and anyone they live with
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- Pregnant women
- Loss of appetite
- Published: 25 September 2020
'This year, our customers have been more conscious than ever about protecting the health of themselves and their families, and protecting against flu has been front-of-mind for many of us,' said Boots in a recent statement.
'As a result, we have seen more people than ever booking early to get their flu vaccinations.'
'Delivery of flu vaccinations is phased over the autumn and into winter, and priority is rightly given to those who are most at-risk with others being asked to wait to later in the year,' said a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care.
But, with coronavirus cases now rising once again in the UK, how bad will the winter flu be in 2020? With some strains being worse than others, experts are currently forecasting that this vaccine will be suited for the specific strain of flu.
Flu symptoms include:
- A sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- A new, continuous cough
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- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
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- A new, continuous cough
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Health experts are also urging the public to understand the aforementioned flu symptoms, especially when compared against the below symptoms for the coronavirus:
- People who were required to shield from coronavirus - and anyone they live with
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- A high temperature
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