Concerns over job security and the impact of the credit crunch mean that over one third of people in the UK fear having to take time off work due to ill health.

Research by Boots has revealed that 34% of Brits said they are worried about taking time of work with illness in the current economic climate. A third also said they are more worried about taking time off than they were a year ago. But the launch of Boots’ Flu Vaccination Service on Monday 13th October offers people the opportunity to avoid being laid low this winter.

Boots' Flu Vaccination Service will be available in 219 stores across the UK and offers the convenience of early morning, evening, lunchtime and weekend slots which means people don't have to take time off to get an appointment. Convenient High Street locations also mean that getting protection this winter is easier than ever.

Angela Chalmers, Boots Pharmacist, commented, “One in five adults comes down with the flu every year in the UK and if people are worried about taking time off work or cannot afford to be laid low because they are caring for their families, then getting a flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself. We also recommend washing your hands regularly and disinfecting commonly used surfaces to help keep virus free.”

Every year the World Health Organisation identifies which strains of the flu virus are most likely to attack and scientists work to develop vaccines against them. This year the strains have been identified as A virus H3N2, A virus H1N1 and B virus.