The Welsh government's decision to launch this year's flu campaign in a pharmacy shows its recognition of the sector's role, Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW) has said.

CPW was "very pleased" that Welsh deputy health minister Vaughan Gething marked the start of the annual campaign by receiving a vaccination at a Well pharmacy in Cardiff Bay on Monday (October 5), it said.

The use of a pharmacy – rather than a GP surgery or hospital as in previous years – showed a “normalisation” of pharmacy’s role in administering flu jabs, CPW stressed.

CPW chief executive Russell Goodway said “more people than ever” are asking their pharmacy whether they are eligible for a vaccination. Welsh pharmacies delivered around 10,000 flu jabs last winter and CPW said it expects to pass this figure this year. 

The organisation is specifically targeting unpaid carers this year, because these individuals may not realise they are eligible for a free vaccination to protect the people they look after, it told C+D.

Welsh pharmacies are again using bilingual posters to ensure patients in all eligible groups – including pregnant women and those aged over 65 years – are aware they can receive a free vaccination.

How popular is the flu service in your pharmacy?

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