During Robert’s visit he learned more about the national pharmacy flu vaccination service. The service aims to make it easier than ever to get a flu jab and to increase the number of, ‘at risk’, people across England being protected from ill health over the winter months.
Robert Goodwill MP commented: “This is an excellent Community Pharmacy NHS service which is so accessible, with no appointments required. Like last year and the year before, I would urge all my constituents who are eligible for a free flu jab to ensure they have one. As winter draws nearer, many people will suffer with ill health, especially older people aged 65 and over and adults with certain medical conditions, and they can benefit from the NHS flu vaccination service. The scheme will help protect people from health complications through the winter months.”
Boots Pharmacist Neil Milner commented: “We are very pleased to be offering the NHS community pharmacy flu vaccination service, which is available in Whitby again this year. It is a great opportunity for more ‘at risk’ people to have their vaccination, protecting them during the winter. The NHS is acknowledging the essential role that community pharmacies play in delivering flu vaccinations and we look forward to helping the NHS protect more people this year.” The FREE national pharmacy flu vaccination service commenced again this year on the 1st September 2016. All adult patients who are eligible for NHS flu vaccinations will be able to have them free of charge at local community pharmacies in North Yorkshire.
Flu vaccinations are vital to protect people who would be at risk of health complications if they caught the virus and the NHS aims to vaccinate at least 75% of people who are considered to be in at risk groups. These include pregnant women, people aged 65 years or over, and people with certain medical conditions.
North Yorkshire Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals and many have been providing flu vaccinations for over five years, both privately and as part of local NHS services.
The introduction of a national community flu vaccination service proved to be very popular with patients. Community Pharmacies in North Yorkshire are sure that they will increase those taking advantage of the service this year, and protect more vulnerable people from serious illness or early deaths.
Robert Goodwill MP is the last of all 8 North Yorkshire MPs visiting their local Community Pharmacy to promote the FREE national pharmacy flu vaccination service for vulnerable patients.
Rachael Maskell MP - Whitworth Chemists, York
Andrew Jones MP – Lloyds Pharmacy, Harrogate
Rishi Sunak MP - Village Pharmacy, Catterick
Julian Sturdy MP - Boots, Haxby, York
Kevin Hollinrake MP - Beckside Pharmacy, Thornton Le Dale
Julian Smith MP - Pateley Bridge Pharmacy, Pateley Bridge
Nigel Adams MP - Milford Pharmacy, South Millford
Robert Goodwill MP - Boots Pharmacy, Whitby
About the Pharmacy Flu Vaccination Service:
All adults aged 65 years and over, and those aged 18 years or over and in clinical risk groups, can receive a free of charge NHS flu jab at Community Pharmacies across the country, often without the need for an appointment. People in ‘at risk’ groups include pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions including asthma and diabetes (see the full list at http://tinyurl.com/WhoGetsFlu). Pharmacists will be using the same vaccination as those offered by GPs and they will be required to notify GPs when they have vaccinated patients.