Boots has reduced the price of its private winter flu vaccine in branches across the UK.

The multiple told Independent Community Pharmacist it has lowered the price from £16.99 to £9.95 until March 31 “when the flu season and Boots winter flu jab service ends” to help ensure more people get vaccinated as hospital cases rise. Boots also said it continues to offer a free NHS flu jab.

Its private flu vaccine service is available for people aged 16 and over in most of its stores in the UK and for 12 to 15-year-olds “in selected stores".

“Flu is an unpleasant virus that can make you feel really unwell .Getting your flu jab is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the NHS from the virus this winter,” said Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson.

“If you do catch flu after having after having been vaccinated, your symptoms are likely to be much milder. Having the flu jab also reduces the risk of passing the virus onto others.”