Commenting on the latest report of the Covid inquiry, Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, which represents around 6,000 pharmacies across the UK, said:
“This report shows that pharmacies saved hundreds of thousands of lives by delivering 40m vaccinations at the height of the Covid pandemic.
“But this report suggests that many more people – particularly in deprived areas - could have been helped if the Government had turned to the pharmacy network earlier.
"The Government could help tackle a wave of vaccine hesitancy that has surged after the pandemic by allowing pharmacies to roll out more vaccination services to patients, particularly in areas where uptake is lower.
“Around 1,000 pharmacies have been forced to close for good because of underfunding since the pandemic. The Government is playing with people’s lives if it does not ensure there is a strong pharmacy network to improve people’s health today and is there ready for the inevitable health crises of the future.”
