Where can I get a flu jab in Sunderland? How to book your free vaccine - and where to go for a private one including Boots, Tesco and Lloyds

The NHS has made the flu vaccination available for an increased number of people this year, as coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country.

If you are eligible for a free jab, you will need to know where to go in Sunderland for your appointment and what to expect when you arrive.

And if you’re not eligible, you can still get a vaccination privately at a small fee. Here’s what you need to know.

Who is eligible to receive the flu jab?

This year, there have been some additions to the groups available for a free flu vaccine.

The following groups should contact their GP to arrange a vaccination:

- Anyone aged 65 and over (including those who'll be 65 by 31 March 2021)

- If you have certain health conditions

- Pregnant women

- If you stay in long-stay residential care

- Young and unpaid carers

- Frontline health or social care workers

Groups added this year due to the increased risk of coronavirus are:

- people who live with someone who's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)

- aged 50 to 64 and have a health condition that means they're more at risk from flu

- 50-to 64-year-olds, who will be contacted about a flu vaccine later

Where can I get my free flu vaccine?

If you are eligible, you should contact your local GP to book your appointment.

You may need to wait longer than previous years to be seen due to the higher demand on NHS services and social distancing guidelines restricting the number of people in a surgery at any time.

Can I get a flu jab if I’m not eligible for a free one?

Yes. Those who do not qualify for the free jab can book one in a pharmacy for a fee.

Lloyds*; ASDA; Superdrug; Boots* and Tesco* are some of the bigger establishments where you can book.

*Boots, Lloyds and Tesco are not offering bookings to anyone who is not eligible for the free service at the moment, due to unprecedented demands.

For those interested in paying for the vaccine, the prices vary depending on which service you choose.

ASDA charges £8, Boots’ costs £13.99, Lloyds charges £12.99, Superdrug chargers £12.99 and Tesco vaccines cost £9.

ASDA stores in Sunderland (within a 10 mile radius of the city centre) offering the service are:

- ASDA Sunderland: Industrial Estate, Leechmere Rd, Sunderland SR2 9TT

- ASDA Boldon: North Rd, Boldon Colliery, Newcastle upon Tyne NE35 9AR

- ASDA Seaham: Byron Place, South Terrace, Seaham SR7 7HN

- ASDA Washington: The Galleries, Washington NE38 7NF

- ASDA Southshields: Coronation St, South Shields NE33 1AZ

Superdug stores in Sunderland (within a 10 mile radius of the city centre) where you can receive the vaccine are:

- Sunderland: Walworth Way, Superdrug Unit 3, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR1 3LB, United Kingdom

- Chester Le Street: Front Street, Superdrug 48/50, Chester Le Street, County Durham, DH3 3BD, United Kingdom

- Northumberland Street: Northumberland Street, Superdrug 46-52, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 7DF, United Kingdom

All Superdrug pharmacies in Sunderland are open 8.30am - 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

How do I arrange my appointment?

If you are eligible for the vaccine, you will receive a letter from the NHS which should give you information about organising your appointment at an NHS venue.

Patients attending their appointment should bring their eligibility letter with them and wear a loose fitting top with short sleeves and be aware that there will be no toilet facilities available.

If you are organising your flu jab privately, you should visit your chosen store where you can purchase the vaccine and have it administered.

Boots, Lloyds and Tesco have online booking forms, however these are not in use due to high demands and you cannot attend stores to receive a vaccine without an appointment.

Is it safe to get a flu jab this winter?

The NHS have stressed that it is vital that those who are eligible for the jab receive it, they have reassured that strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place at all appointments, including PPE and physical distancing.

The increase in the number of people receiving the vaccine is to protect vulnerable groups from being infected with coronavirus and the flu at the same time and to reduce the amount of people hospitalized with the flu throughout the winter - easing pressure on the NHS.

Before being used as a vaccine, all medicine is trialled by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for safety and effectiveness and is continuously monitored while the vaccines are in use.

For anyone allergic to egg, a vaccine which is not prepared in hen’s eggs is available and this can be arranged prior to your appointment by contacting your GP.