PSNC, which highlighted the data from PharmOutcomes and Sonar Informatics last week (November 24), added that the total number of pharmacy jabs "will be even higher, as some pharmacy teams are not using the electronic systems to record administration of vaccines".

PSNC director of NHS services Alastair Buxton hailed the news as “another great milestone” for the pharmacy flu service.

“Pharmacy teams have continued to work hard over the last three months to build on the success of last year’s national flu vaccination service,” Mr Buxton said.

“I am looking forward to seeing this number continue to grow over the next four months.”

C+D readers share views on increasing uptake

In October, NHS England’s assistant head of primary care commissioning for pharmacy Jill Loader praised the sector for “really stepping up to the mark” when it comes to the flu service.

More than half (51%) of respondents to a C+D poll said using posters to advertise the flu service is the best way to maximise uptake.

Of the 225 respondents to the poll, which ran on the C+D website August 15-October 24, 24% pointed to contacting patients who had the flu jab at their pharmacy last year as the best strategy.

Approaching local businesses received 17% of the vote, while just 8% of respondents believed offering patient discounts or deals on their jab was the most effective way to increase numbers.

Share examples of how your flu service is going this season by emailing [email protected]