Community pharmacies to join the NHS flu fighting force

A project has been launched in Greater Manchester to make it more convenient for people (18 to 64 years at risk) with long term health conditions to have the flu vaccine this year.

People with liver, lung, kidney and heart problems, diabetes and conditions such as asthma and other respiratory problems are at serious risk of developing complications if they catch the flu virus.  

This winter vulnerable members of the public (18 to 64 years at risk) will have the option of receiving their NHS flu jab in their local pharmacy, if they can’t get to see their GP.  The scheme will give more flexibility and opportunities for patients to access and have a flu vaccination outside of normal working hours and at weekends.

Rob Bellingham, Director of Commissioning for NHS England GM Area Team said: “It is important that people in this at risk group get a flu jab.  Where people are unable to make it to their GP practice, this service provides an extra option.  One pharmacy in three will be doing NHS flu jabs as part of the follow up flu programme in Greater Manchester, so there’s a good chance that your local pharmacy will be one of them.”

If you have an underlying health condition or a weakened immune system and you catch the flu virus, you are at more risk of pneumonia, muscle inflammation, central nervous system disease and heart attacks that can land you in hospital and can occasionally be fatal.  People who are carers can also be vaccinated at a pharmacy, to help protect the person they care for.  If you’re not sure whether you are eligible, please ask your pharmacist or GP.

Peter Marks, community pharmacist and Chair of Community Pharmacy Greater Manchester said “Pharmacists are delighted to be part of the NHS flu vaccination service this year. We strongly encourage all vulnerable patients to get their flu jab at their GP’s surgery.  If patients are unable to go to their GP, they will be able to go to a pharmacy offering a flu vaccination service for their flu jab.” 

Last winter over half of the eligible people (18 to 64 years at risk group) received their flu jab in Greater Manchester.  To find out if you are eligible to have a flu jab this winter speak to your GP or your local pharmacy.  You can find a list of participating pharmacies at http://www.england.nhs.uk/north/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/11/gm-commun-pharm-flu.pdf

ENDS

Issued: 22 November 2013.

Note to editors

·  NHS England (formerly known as the NHS Commissioning Board) is the new body which leads the NHS in England.  Its main aim is to improve the health outcomes for people in England, and it will set the overall direction and priorities for the NHS as a whole.

• For further information, please 07824 463578 or E-mail media.hub@nmecomms.nhs.uk