Flu vaccination

Every year, flu cases put extra pressure on the NHS. An outbreak of flu can have a devastating impact, causing severe complications in young children and in people with long-term conditions. This winter, community pharmacies are once again providing the flu vaccination service as well as the Covid-19 vaccine service to eligible patients.

According to the NHS, flu vaccination is particularly important this year because:

• More people are likely to get flu since they are less likely to have built up natural immunity to it during the Covid-19 pandemic
• If a person gets flu and Covid-19 at the same time, research shows they are more likely to become seriously ill.

Double check: do you know who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination this year? Do you know the process to follow when people come into the pharmacy for their flu jab? What about those who aren’t eligible for a free jab but are prepared to pay for one? If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist about the procedure in your pharmacy, and visit your country’s NHS website for details of who is eligible for a free vaccine.