Following today’s news (Thursday 8^th October) that Asda has launched a free NHS drive-through flu jab service for eligible people at 13 UK stores;

Ryan Whittaker, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“Respiratory health is on everyone’s mind at the moment due to COVID-19, with GlobalData’s research suggesting that four out of five UK consumers report that they are concerned about their physical fitness and health during the pandemic.* Given the risks associated with influenza and COVID-19 separately, co-infection is something that should be avoided at all costs. Thus, flu jabs for the elderly, frontline workers and other vulnerable groups are a high priority for the country as winter approaches.

“Consumers may be putting off getting a flu jab at GPs and pharmacies due to fear of coming into contact with someone suffering from COVID-19. By opening up its car parks, Asda is ensuring that vaccination is convenient for consumers. This kind of social service will reflect well on the company. GlobalData has found that over a third (37%) of UK consumers say that how ethical a product or service is often or always influences their product choice: consumers’ positive association between Asda and its ethical behavior is likely to boost brand loyalty during the pandemic and also in the period afterwards.

“It will be interesting if this is a step towards rethinking public health, gearing it towards greater, patient-led experiences with supermarket convenience. Easier access to preventative and diagnostic medicine is likely going to be in the interests of the consumer, the NHS and supermarkets in the long term.”

* COVID-19 recovery consumer survey, published on September 21^st combining answers “slightly concerned”, “quite concerned” and “extremely concerned”

** COVID-19 recovery consumer survey, published on September 21^st