Pharmacy offers free flu jabs for those at risk

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http://www.news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1120052002

Pharmacy offers free flu jabs for those at risk

Tara WomersleyHealth Correspondent

 
FLU jabs are being offered at a pharmacy free of charge for the first time in Scotland for anyone thought to be “at risk” under the age of 65.

The immunisation is normally only available at GP surgeries, but if the pilot launched in Aberdeen is successful, it could be extended to the rest of the country.

The initiative, which runs alongside this year’s national flu immunisation campaign, aims to provide a convenient alternative for people who find it difficult to visit their local GP.

Under the pilot, which is being run by NHS Grampian and Michies’ Pharmacy, jabs are being offered to people who suffer from a long-term illness such as diabetes or asthma at specific times during the week. However, immunisation has been restricted to the under 65s for monitoring purposes.

Dr Arun Mukerjee, consultant in public health medicine and chairman of the Grampian flu immunisation group, said: “The flu virus changes every year, making the previous years’ vaccines ineffective. The annual flu immunisation is the best protection against flu for people at risk.

“We decided to run the pharmacy pilot this year to see if it is a useful alternative for eligible groups. Staff within the pharmacy have received appropriate training on administering the vaccine and will be given nurse support throughout the programme.”

It is estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 people die every year as a result of complications from the flu. At present, the uptake of flu immunisation in Scotland among those “at risk” is 70 per cent.

Charlie Michie, who runs the chemist providing the immunisation, said: “The high street pharmacy is a focal point for health care and in Scotland, more than 600,000 people visit their local pharmacy every day. The community pharmacy would be welcomed by many as a place to receive flu immunisation because it is convenient.”

This Saturday, Asda, in partnership with Doctorcall, a mobile medical service, is also offering flu immunisation at its stores across the UK for £12, which is £8 lower than the usual fee for a private vaccination.

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