LONDON, UK, October 10, 2008
/24-7PressRelease/ -- In the current economic climate, coming down with the flu could spell further financial worries, especially for the self-employed, as it could cost an individual over 900.
With the average weekly pay at 4571 - and as the flu can last up to two weeks - those who are self-employed and not protected by sick pay, could be looking at a significant loss of income.
Of the 38m working age Brits, almost 10% are self-employed2 and, based on average flu incidence rates3, over 500,000 are likely to catch the flu at a cost of almost 5m.
And new research4, commissioned by Tesco Pharmacy to mark the launch of its new flu jab service, has revealed that only 3% of those who had the jab last year got it because they were self-employed and couldn't afford to be ill.
In addition, nearly 40% of those surveyed have never considered having a flu jab despite the fact that vaccination can give up to 80% protection.
Anyone can catch the flu as it is highly infectious. It's a common, seasonal infection that can affect anyone - it usually makes you feel not well enough to do anything at all, even get out of bed.
But with the launch of the Tesco Pharmacy flu jab service, available in almost 150 stores in England and Wales, now anyone can protect themselves quickly and easily.
Priced at just 10, the flu vaccination service will be provided by specially trained Tesco Pharmacists and is available from 8 October 2008. Appointments will be available throughout the day and into the evening at most stores offering the service - Tesco Pharmacies are usually open from 8am until 8pm on weekdays and Saturdays and between 10am and 4pm on Sundays, making vaccination accessible to a wide audience.
Call 0800 505 555 to find your nearest Tesco Pharmacy providing the flu jab service, then book directly with that Pharmacy. Appointments are not always necessary, are subject to availability, and are available from 8 October until mid December at selected stores.
Sources:
1 2007 Annual Survey of Hours and Earning
2 ONS 2007
3 NHS (Sutton and Merton PCT) - 10 - 15% of the population may develop flu in any one year
4 The research was undertaken amongst 1020 20-40 year olds in March 2008 by Research Now on behalf of Tesco Pharmacy.
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