This week, Duncan visited Coastal Pharmacy in Mundesley to see the vital role community pharmacies are playing in the NHS flu vaccination programme. For more information on flu vaccination, visit the NHS website.
This year’s NHS flu vaccination campaign is the biggest yet; targeting 30 million people across the country. Demand in the East of England has been unprecedented with community pharmacists already delivering over 100,000 vaccinations to NHS patients – over double the number vaccinated in the same period last year.
During the visit to the community pharmacy Duncan heard from the pharmacy proprietors, Lyndon and Deidre Whyatt on how patients have accessed flu vaccinations so far in the programme and the challenges the team have faced to stay open during the pandemic.
Dierdre Whyatt, proprietor and director of Coastal Pharmacy said:
We have definitely seen an increase in demand for flu vaccination this year and are extremely proud to deliver vaccinations to our patients as part of the NHS family. Our priority is always our patients and throughout the pandemic we have kept our doors open when others have been closed.
During the visit Duncan took the opportunity to get his flu vaccination and commented:
Pharmacies are at the forefront of efforts to get the population vaccinated against flu. As we approach the winter months, it is important that everyone who needs a flu vaccination arranges to have one. As pharmacies have seen a huge increase in demand for flu vaccinations, and to maintain social distancing, you may need to call ahead to book.
People who are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination are urged to get vaccinated every year, however this year, with COVID-19 in circulation, it is especially important that the vulnerable are protected from respiratory illness. To avoid disappointment, patients are advised to call ahead to their pharmacy, or GP, to check when they can be vaccinated.
As in previous years, an NHS flu vaccination is available to all adults aged 65 years and over, and those aged 18 years and over who are in clinical risk groups. People in clinical risk groups include pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions including asthma and diabetes. And for the first time, later in the season, once the vaccination of these groups is underway, healthy 50 to 64-year-olds in England will also be eligible for a free flu jab, subject to a government announcement.
Tony Dean, Pharmacist and Chief Officer for Norfolk Local Pharmaceutical Committee said:
Community Pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare providers, they offer healthcare advice and NHS services in the community. Getting your flu vaccination at your local community pharmacy or GP practice will help not only protect yourself but help prevent the spread of flu to your loved ones.
Simon Dukes, Chief Executive Officer for the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee said:
Community pharmacy teams have been first out of the blocks in the NHS's effort to vaccinate a record number of people against flu. This is yet another excellent example of how community pharmacy can respond to the needs of patients and the NHS even in the midst of a global pandemic.
