The National Pharmacy Association has welcomed the launch of a national community pharmacy influenza vaccination programme in Wales.
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.
Details of the 137 pharmacies across Wales chosen to provide the vaccine are available from the NHS Direct website www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
Deborah Evans, Director of Pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association said:
“Expanding the service to provide patients greater accessibility is critical to achieving targets for at risk patients. 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 community 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.”
