05/11/2014 - Permalink

Free NHS flu vaccinations being offered in pharmacies

Related topics: Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners NHS England – Shropshire and Staffordshire area team

Shropshire and Telford residents in at-risk groups are now able to get their free NHS flu jab in pharmacies for the first time.

GPs currently offer free seasonal flu vaccinations to pregnant women, people aged 65 years and over and those with certain long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart or lung problems.

Now, in addition to GP clinics, flu vaccinations will be offered free of charge in pharmacies to people in the following ‘at risk’ groups:

  • All patients aged 65 years and over
  • Chronic respiratory disease aged 18 years and over
  • Chronic heart disease aged 18 years and over
  • Chronic kidney disease aged 18 years and over
  • Chronic liver disease aged 18 years and over
  • Chronic neurological disease aged 18 years and over
  • Diabetes aged 18 years and over
  • Immunosuppression aged 18 years and over
  • Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
  • Pregnant women aged 18 years and over.

The new way of offering NHS flu vaccinations is part of a scheme being run by NHS England in Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Flu is not like a bad cold, it affects the whole body.  It can make existing conditions worse and can also increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.  People offered the free flu vaccination need to have it every year to ensure that they are protected against flu’s effects.

Many pharmacies already offer flu and travel vaccinations to customers for a fee, and so are experienced and fully trained in providing this service.  Now many pharmacies will also be providing flu vaccinations to people eligible to get them free on the NHS.

Pharmacists are also trained to help people treat themselves for many common conditions, such as colds, stomach bugs and aches and pains, which can be especially common in winter months.

Neil Adams, Screening and Immunisation Lead (Shropshire and Staffordshire), for NHS England, said:

“It’s so important that those offered a free NHS flu vaccination can take it up, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them.

“While people in Shropshire and Telford can still go to flu vaccination clinics offered by their GP, this pharmacy scheme offers a convenient alternative.

“By choosing a participating pharmacy near where people work, at their local supermarket, or near their child or grandchild’s school, we hope that this scheme helps the vaccination fit around people’s busy lives.

“Flu vaccinations are just one service offered by your local pharmacy.  You can get expert, confidential advice and treatment for many minor health complaints from your local pharmacist, as well as information and support to help you start a healthier lifestyle.”

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, added:

“The NHS community pharmacy initiative provides an even easier and accessible option for Shropshire people in these at-risk groups who can now get the vaccination for free in local pharmacies at a time and place to suit them.

“Flu can be so debilitating, so it is really important you take up your free flu jab by booking an appointment with either your local GP or pharmacist.  The earlier you do this the greater your defence against flu will be.”

To find out which pharmacist in your area is now offering the free NHS flu vaccinations for at risk-groups click here.

If you do happen to catch a cold or the flu over the winter period, your local pharmacy is on hand to give you plenty of advice and support.   More information about this can be found here http://www.treatyourselfbetter.co.uk/