Responding to an update from the UK Health Security Agency and Department of Health that pharmacies role will be extended to deliver catch up flu vaccine services to children and those experiencing homelessness, Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association said:
"We've long called for pharmacies to be commissioned to provide more childhood vaccinations, particularly for teenagers and older children given the alarming drops we have seen in take up since the pandemic among this age group.
"It's good pharmacies have been commissioned to provide flu vaccines to a wider group of children as well providing catch up vaccinations for those who might have missed out.
"It is also important pharmacies have been given a role to support those experiencing homelessness, who often do not have access to GP services.
"Latest NPA analysis found that take up for flu vaccines among children had dropped to 52 per cent last year, an 8 per cent drop from the highs of 2018. In 15-16 year olds, it has fallen to a record low of 42 per cent, less than half of all those eligible.
"There is growing evidence to show that using pharmacies to provide more NHS vaccinations helps to improve uptake and therefore prevent instances of serious illness, particularly in deprived communities who have historically been less likely to get vaccinated.
“It makes sense for pharmacies, who are highly accessible and on people’s doorsteps, to be able to help NHS colleagues deliver vaccinations for a wider range of conditions.
“We must do all we can to stop the clock being turned back on efforts to eradicate serious childhood diseases.”
