Asda Pharmacy has launched a drive-through flu jab service to help vulnerable people get their flu vaccination without exposing themselves to Covid-19.
The service - available in 13 Asda store car parks across the UK - will be offered to those eligible for a free NHS flu jab such as elderly people, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions and frontline health care workers.
A pharmacist, who will administer the vaccine, will also advise patients of potential side effects and they will be asked to wait for 5-10 minutes to ensure they feel comfortable to drive away.
The company said the drive-through flu jab will allow people to get vaccinated against flu without coming into contact with any person other than the pharmacist administering the jab, who would be wearing adequate PPE.
There is a clear need for the service, as newly-released research from Asda Pharmacy has shown that over a quarter of UK adults (28 per cent) say they are currently putting off getting a flu jab over concerns about visiting GPs and pharmacies as they fear coming into contact with someone who is suffering from Covid-19.
In total, three quarters (75 per cent) said they would be concerned about visiting their GP or pharmacy currently.
Asda hopes that the ‘drive-flu’ service will address these concerns and help avoid an increase in flu cases this year due to reluctance to get a jab. Individuals can still have access to a flu jab without leaving their car or visiting medical premises.
