The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed the launch of the national community pharmacy influenza vaccine programme across Wales.

The pharmacy influenza vaccine programme involves 137 pharmacies in Wales and will target those at high-risk, which includes those who are unable to attend vaccinations at their GP surgery as well as healthcare professionals, carers, pregnant women and members of voluntary organisations who provide emergency first aid at public events.

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	NPA director of pharmacy Deborah Evans said: "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," she added.

Joan Snowdon, pharmacist at Clifton Pharmacy in Cardiff, one of the pharmacies chosen to offer the free vaccination programme, said she felt the scheme "was a brilliant idea, as it alleviates the pressure on GPs and creates a greater prevention of influenza across a greater population".