The flu vaccine is available every year, and the best time to have it is from the beginning of October to the end of November. It’s routinely given on the NHS to ‘at risk’ groups of people – adults 65 and over, people with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, young children and frontline health or social care workers. For people who don’t fall into these categories, the vaccine is available at a small cost.
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But reports have emerged of fraudsters targeting people over the phone offering what appears to be a cheap flu jab deal.
People in Teeside are being warned to be on alert, particularly vulnerable OAPs.
Anyone offered flu jabs over the phone are being urged not to fall con, and to contact police.
It’s believed the fraudsters are targeting elderly people in an effort to trick them out of their savings, reports Teesside Live.
When contacted by telephone, people are being asked if they’d like a flu jab for £1.50, and then asked for their debit or credit card details.
These people are then discovering large sums of money have been removed from their account.
A Cleveland Police spokeswoman told the Teesside news site: “We aren’t aware of any reports of this scam locally, but there have been reports nationally of frauds linked to bogus flu jab payments.
“Our advice to people is never to give out their bank or credit card details to anyone over the phone.”
Anyone who believes they’ve been a victim of such a scam should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contact your local police on 101.
So where can you get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is routinely given free-of-charge on the NHS to the ‘at risk’ groups of people mentioned above.
For people who don’t fall into these categories, the vaccine is available at a small charge from GP surgeries, as well as some pharmacies and supermarkets.
You can pay and book to have the vaccine at the following pharmacies and supermarkets. Most also offer the free jab on the NHS.
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Asda
The vaccine at Asda Pharmacy is £7 and booking are available now.
Superdrug
Superdrug is providing a walk-in vaccination service. The cost of the jab is £9.99.
Tesco
From October, vaccinations will be available at selected Tesco Pharmacy stores in England and Wales.
You’ll be bale to make an appointment to have one, or receive one straight away after filling in a short questionnaire.
It takes 15 minutes, during which the pharmacist will explain the process and answer any queries, and costs just £10.
Lloyds Pharmacy
The flu vaccine at Lloyds is just £11.50. The healthcare team at your local pharmacist will be able to tell you what’s right for you.
Boots
The jab costs £12.99. You can book an appointment either in store or online.
Appointments for children ages 11 to 15 can only be booked in selected stores.
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