Frequently Asked Questions
General
I have some questions and queries regarding the service, who can I speak to?
If you have any questions regarding the service, please contact our Corporate Flu Team on 0330 912 8573 or email help@bootscorporatehealth.com.
Can I claim VAT on vaccination e-vouchers?
No, as the services are exempt from VAT.
Can a refund be provided for any unredeemed e-vouchers?
Unfortunately, once e-vouchers are purchased they are non-refundable. Please make sure to check which voucher is required for your employee before purchasing.
Are there any additional costs to the service?
No, you only have to pay for the cost of the e-vouchers.
What happens if an employee loses a e-voucher?
Once issued, Boots will not accept any liability for the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged e-vouchers.
Seasonal Flu
Which of my employees are eligible for the service?
The Boots Winter Flu Jab Service is suitable for people aged 16 years and above. Some of your employees may be eligible for an NHS flu vaccination, you can find out more about eligibility criteria at Boots.com - Flu eligibility.
Are there any tax implications for providing flu vaccinations to employees?
Seasonal flu vaccinations can usually be considered a minor and trivial benefit and therefore exempt from tax as a benefit in kind, however we strongly recommend that you agree the tax treatment with your HMRC contact.
How do my staff book an appointment?
There is an easy appointment booking system for your staff to book into their choice of one of our participating Boots stores. Full instructions are provided on the vouchers.
Can the e-vouchers be used in the Republic of Ireland?
A different service is provided in the Republic of Ireland. Click here for more information.
COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is spread through coughs, sneezes and close contact with people who have the virus. Symptoms can include a high temperature or shivering, a new continuous cough, a sore throat, and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste. Most people have mild symptoms and recover quickly, but some people can become severely ill. Occasionally, symptoms can persist and develop into a condition called 'Long COVID'.
Who's most at risk?
Those most at risk of severe illness are older people, those with a weakened immune system and those with certain underlying health conditions.
How can Boots help?
The Boots COVID-19 Vaccination Service is a private service for adults and children aged 12 years and over, subject to availability in selected Boots pharmacies. Eligibility criteria apply. Please note this is not an NHS service.
The vaccination helps protect against catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others.
The service isn't suitable for anyone who has had:
- a COVID-19 vaccination within the last 3 months
- an allergic reaction to any injections or vaccinations in the past
This isn't a complete list and suitability will be checked before the vaccination is given.
What happens at the appointment?
The vaccination will be given in the upper arm so it's helpful to wear short sleeves or loose sleeves that can be rolled up. The healthcare professional will talk to you about possible side effects before the vaccination.
Who can get vaccinated on the NHS?
Some people may be eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 free of charge on the NHS. Some Boots stores in England offer the free NHS service at certain times of the year.
What if someone has got COVID-19 or had it recently?
Please wait until they've recovered as we cannot vaccinate anyone who currently has COVID-19 or who has had it within the last two weeks.
Hepatitis A
If an employee has already started a hepatitis A vaccination course, can they finish the course at Boots?
Yes, they need to provide details of their vaccination history during their consultation. This includes the name and date of any previous hepatitis A vaccinations. However, employees cannot complete a hepatitis a and b vaccination course at Boots if they have stared it elsewhere.
Can my employee have the vaccine if they're pregnant?
Yes, they can have either vaccine if they're pregnant.
Hepatitis B
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a highly infectious virus that spreads through blood and body fluids and those who come into contact with these substances are particularly at risk.
Who is at risk of Hepatitis B?
Anyone who comes into contact with blood or bodily fluids. In particular, employees working in healthcare, laboratories, care homes, waste disposal, police, fire or rescue services as well as prison and immigration centres, are at an increased risk of contracting hepatitis B.
How is the vaccination given?
A course of 3 vaccinations given in the upper arm at 0, 1 and 6 months.
Are there any side effects from the vaccination?
There are side effects with all vaccines and the pharmacist will discuss these during your consultation. The main side effect can be localised irritation at the site of injection.
Does the vaccine contain egg?
The hepatitis B vaccines used in this service do not contain egg but the pharmacist will go through any allergies or ethical objections you may have during your consultation.
Does the vaccine contain latex?
Although neither of the vaccines contain latex, one of the vaccines has syringe plunger stopper and tip cap contains dry natural latex so this may not be recommended for somebody with a severe latex allergy but the good news is there is a completely latex free option.
How long is the voucher valid for?
12 months from the date of purchase.
Where is Hepatitis B Vaccination Service available?
Currently the service is available at 327 stores across the UK.
Is there an age requirement for the service?
18 and over.
How much does the Immunity test cost?
You can purchase the Immunity tests from Medichecks, the finger prick tests are available at a cost of £42.88 by emailing bootstesting@medichecks.com.
Can I book a nurse to do the Immunity testing?
Medichecks can arrange this for you, you can email bootstesting@medichecks.com with your specific requirements and they will contact you to discuss.
How do my staff book an appointment?
There is an easy appointment booking system for your staff to book into their choice of one of our participating Boots stores. Full instructions are provided on the vouchers.
What if I forget to take my voucher to my appointment?
You must present your voucher at your appointment or show your e-voucher from a phone or other device.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio
What if my employee has no record or memory of having the childhood immunisations?
They'll be able to have an initial course of three vaccinations, one month apart at Boots. A first booster dose will be needed a minimum of five years afterwards and a second booster 10 years after the first booster.
If an employee has already started a course of diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccinations elsewhere, are they able to finish the course at Boots?
Yes, they need to provide details of their vaccination history during their consultation. This includes the name and date of any diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccinations.
Can my employee have the vaccine if they're pregnant?
This service isn't suitable for pregnant women. If your employee is pregnant and hasn't previously had a full vaccination course, they'll need to speak with their GP who'll be able to offer a suitable vaccination.
Pneumonia
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is caused by an infection that irritates the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and swell up with fluid. The most common cause of pneumonia is an infection due to bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. Pneumonia can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing and affects around 1 in 100 adults in the UK each year. It is most common in autumn and winter.
Who is at risk of catching Pneumonia?
It can affect anyone, but some people are more at risk of catching it. Risk factors include:
- Increasing age – the risk is more pronounced in older adults
- Smoking – not only is the risk of catching pneumonia greater, but it can be more serious in people who smoke
- Other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease or respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- A weakened immune system
Which of my employees would benefit from the Pneumonia Vaccination Service?
Any employee would benefit from it, and it can reduce risk for travellers going to countries which have higher levels of pneumococcal infections.
How does the vaccination work?
The vaccination provides protection against 20 of the most common strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. A single vaccination enhances the immune response, and provides long-lasting protection against pneumococcal pneumonia.
How is the vaccination given?
The vaccine is administered by injection in the arm and can usually be given at the same time as other vaccinations (e.g. flu).
Are there any side effects from the vaccination?
Everybody's different and while some people may get some side-effects, others may get none at all. Very common side-effects around the site of the injection include:
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
Other common side-effects include headaches, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, rash, muscle and joint aches, chills, fatigue, limitation of arm movement,vomiting and fever. Less common side-effects include feeling sick, allergic reactions and swollen lymph glands near the injection site. In the rare event that an allergic reaction occurs at the time of the injection, the Pharmacist is trained to deal with this.
Does the vaccine contain egg?
The vaccine used in our Boots Pneumonia Vaccination Service is egg-free.
How do my staff book an appointment?
There is an easy appointment booking system for your staff to book into their choice of one of our participating Boots stores. Full instructions are provided on the vouchers.
How long is the voucher valid for?
180 days from date of issue.
Is there an age requirement for the service?
The Pneumonia Vaccination Service is suitable for adults aged 18 and over.
How often should the vaccination be given?
Only one jab is needed for long-term protection.