Five minutes to fight flu

Wondering how you'll find the time to get a flu jab? This October you can add getting a jab to your shopping list, as Tesco is offering them at selected pharmacy stores in England and Wales.

At the Tesco 'flu clinic' you can either make an appointment or turn up when it's open, at set times seven days a week. All you have to do is fill in a short questionnaire and, if you are over 18 and in good health, the process is explained and then you have a flu jab. This all takes about five minutes and costs just £10. But if you fall into the 'at risk' category, are over 65, or suffer from a chronic condition, such as respiratory or heart disease, diabetes or asthma, you can still get the vaccine free on the NHS via your local GP's practice.

The Department of Health says not enough of us are bothering and only 45 per cent of under-65s in the at-risk group had a flu jab last winter, though 90 per cent of work absences were due to colds and flu.

Don't forget to ask about the Health Check Pharmacy service too, where you can be screened for diabetes, have your blood pressure checked and get advice on healthy weight management, all in one go. Tesco also provides a Stop Smoking advice service and nicotine replacement products.

To find your nearest pharmacist call 0800 505555 or visit www.tesco.com/health/pharmacy.