Boots has kickstarted its biggest ever Winter Flu Jab programme and is reporting a two-thirds year-on-year increase in bookings.

Mary Armstrong, 77, from Kent was administered a free NHS flu jab at the London Piccadilly store at 8.15am.

Over one-third of appointments at Boots are already reserved.

The chain also reports that it has seen a greater number of appointments booked by those eligible for a free NHS flu jab compared to previous years, comprising three-quarters of bookings to date compared to half of bookings in the last five years.

Nearly two-fifths of bookings are by over 65s.

Boots offers free flu jabs on behalf of the NHS to those who are eligible but can also offer the vaccination privately at most Boots stores.

The chain will also support the NHS to deliver Covid booster jabs this winter at hubs in select pharmacies.

It has delivered nearly 800,000 first and second jabs since January 2021.

Stores that will offer boosters will be confirmed soon following discussions with the NHS.

Pharmacist Bina Mehta said: “If you are eligible for the Covid-19 booster jab as well as the free NHS flu jab, it is suitable to take both this winter. I would advise booking your flu jab now if you can, to ensure you are protected from flu as early as possible. From next week eligible patients will be invited by the NHS to book their Covid-19 booster.”

For more information and to book, visit boots.com/flu.