A.S. Watson

Bird flu threat has britons flying for flu jabs
Superdrug doubles number of stores offering vaccination for 2006

United Kingdom (18 Oct 2005)

Superdrug announces its plan to double the number of customers it vaccinates against the flu virus next year. At its first clinic held at Oxford Street this week shoppers were being vaccinated at the rate of one every six minutes – with every slot at the clinic sold out. This week sees further clinics taking place with pre-bookable appointments available for customers and the retailer estimates it will vaccinate over 3,000 people in the next four weeks in 20 stores.

With the advent of pandemic panic Superdrug's pharmacists have reported an increasing number of customers asking for advice on flu vaccinations and general winter health. Although customers understand that the flu jab is not a vaccination against pandemic or avian flu, the issue has highlighted the importance of preventative healthcare for those who cannot afford to be to be ill, from self-employed business people to parents looking after young children.

As well as holding flu clinics in stores Superdrug is also sending out its Beauty Inside & Out bus into the field as a mobile flu clinic to vaccinate those too busy to visit their doctor. Staffed by a pharmacist and a doctor the bus will offer winter health advice and give vaccinations on request.

Available by appointment, the service enables customers to take charge of their own healthcare and receive immunisation even if they are unable to get to their GP. Each injection costs ￡15 and will be administered by a qualified nurse from the private pharmacy consulting room within the store, after patients have completed a questionnaire about their medical history.

Superdrug is commited to supporting the Department of Health agenda to improve access of medical services and this is the first of several initiatives planned to raise awareness of patient self care plus pharmacists will be available to offer help and advice to any customers wanting more information about influenza or any other health matter.

Martin Crisp, Superdrug's head of pharmacy commented, "10 to 15% of the population develop flu every year. Flu vaccination is nearly always carried out through doctors' surgeries and, in certain cases, due to the high demand for the vaccine at this time of the year, some GPs have to prioritise high risk groups such as the elderly and patients with chronic conditions.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this quick, convenient service to anyone wanting immunisation who would not normally fall into one of the groups being vaccinated by their GP, and hope it will make vaccination more accessible for our shoppers", he added.

-End-

For further information please contact:

Katie Hayes or Jenny Hill at ZPR on 020 7896 3022 or 01423 565533 or email superdrug@z-pr.com

Notes to editors: �h

Superdrug is the United Kingdom's second-largest Health & Beauty retail chain, attracting more than seven million customers to its stores during the Christmas season alone. The successful Superdrug formula is attributed to its commitment in maintaining an extensive range of its own well-recognised and high quality brands. Superdrug currently operates 700 stores in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Superdrug is one of the health & beauty retail brands from the A.S. Watson Group (ASW) family – the world's largest retailer of fine fragrance. With a history dating back to 1828, ASW has evolved into an international retail and manufacturing business with operations in 31 markets worldwide. Up to date list of stores holding clinics (at 18th October):

‧ Oxford Street; 197-213 Oxford Street, London. W1R 1AL, 020 7439 0793. 24th, 31st October and 7th November
‧ Marble Arch; 508-520 Oxford Street, London. W1N 0HE, 020 7629 4901. 25th October
‧ Strand; 49-50 Strand, London. WC2N 5LL, 020 7930 2210. 20th and 25th October
‧ Holborn Tube; 232 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EG, 020 7404 6912. 1st November
‧ Battersea; 36 St Johns Road, Battersea. SW11 1PW, 020 7228 7903 ‧ Reading; Unit 2, 55-59 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire. RG1 2AF, 0118 959 9772
‧ Wolverhampton, 65-67 Mander Square, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. WV1 3NN, 01902 313654 (29th October)
‧ Croydon-Whitgift; Unit 3-5, Woolworth Development, Whitgift Centre, Croydon, Surrey. CR0 1US, 020 8681 5035. Every Tuesday and Thursday from mid Oct
‧ Fareham; 16 Thackeray Square, Fareham, Hampshire.PO16 0PG, 01329 237075. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
‧ Huddersfield; 20 Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. HD1 2RS, 01484 542526
‧ Worcester St Swithins; 4-5 St Swithins Street, Worcester. WR1 2PY, 01905 24018. 10th and 19th November
‧ Warrington C'Edge; Unit E, Cockhedge Centre, Warrington. WA1 2QQ, 01925 653529
‧ Altrincham; 82-84 George Street, Altrincham, Cheshire. WA14 1RF, 0161 929 9793
‧ Watford; 22-24 The Parade, Watford, Hertfordshire. WD17 2AA, 01923 244356
‧ Manchester-Piccadilly; 7 - 9 Piccadilly, Manchester. M1 1LZ, 0161 819 1427
‧ Liverpool; 11-17 Parker Street, Liverpool. L1 1DS, 0151 709 1240
‧ Truro; 13 Boscawan Street, Truro, Cornwall. TR1 2QU, 01872 274838
‧ Sutton Coldfield; 63-67 The Parade, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. B72 1PD, 0121 354 1184
‧ Beverley; 23-25 Toll Gavel, Beverley, Humberside. HU17 9AA, 01482 881344. Wednesday 9th
‧ Telford; 12-13 Dean Street, The Telford Shopping Ctr, Telford, Shropshire. TF3 4BT, 01952 291524
(Where no dates and times are shown these are yet to be confirmed)