The National Pharmacy Association has welcomed the launch of a national community pharmacy influenza vaccination programme that will run in Wales later this year.
The free NHS service will be targeted at those in the high-risk patient groups who are unable to attend their surgery for a flu vaccination and find it more convenient to visit their pharmacy. Selected pharmacies in Wales will be identified by their Local Health Board to take part in the service and will be contacted in the near future.
Deborah Evans, Director of Pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association said:
“It’s positive to see the recognition by the Welsh Assembly that the demand for seasonal flu vaccination cannot be met by GPs alone and that patients often prefer the convenience and accessibility of having a flu vaccination at a commuity pharmacy. Wider commissioning of flu services in community pharmacy will help to create a robust seasonal vaccination programme by making the most out of pharmacy’s strengths – accessibility medicines expertise, and strong relationships with patients. Key to success will be close working between GPs and their pharmacist colleagues”
All pharmacists providing the services must be trained to standard set by The Welsh Centre for Pharmacy Professional Education (WCPPE) in conjunction with Public Health Wales. Pharmacists that have completed the NPA’s flu vaccination training, developed by ECG limited, meet these standards and will not need to undergo further training to deliver the service.
To find out more information about the NPA’s flu vaccination programme, visit www.npa.co.uk/flusignup or for more information, including prices and group discounts, contact the Pharmacy Services Team on 01727 858687 ext 3391
