National Pharmacy Association Highlights Community Pharmacy Contribution To Flu Vaccination, UK

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines;  Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 07 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The National Pharmacy Association has responded to findings of a survey commissioned by the Department of Health, published to launch the Government's annual flu vaccination campaign. The report highlights that many people with long term conditions are risking their health by not having a flu jab. Professor David Salisbury, the Department of Health's director of immunisation, warned that "people do not take flu very seriously but for some, the flu virus can be potentially like-threatening."

Results of a City and Hackney PCT pilot scheme showed that including community pharmacy improved uptake and importantly GP numbers did not decrease meaning the pharmacies attracted new patients.

The NPA's Chief Pharmacist, Colette McCreedy, says: "Community pharmacists can identify high risk patients when dispensing their medication and many pharmacies now have private consultation areas suitable for administering flu vaccinations. Currently there are only a handful of patients benefitting from pharmacy based NHS flu vaccinations. Professor Salisbury's warning of the consequence of low uptake makes a compelling argument to increase access through community pharmacy."

National Pharmacy Association