London’s community pharmacies are protecting the capital against a surge in winter illnesses, having already delivered more than half a million vaccinations in the lead up to winter.
At the start of Ask Your Pharmacist Week, the NHS in London is urging residents to make use of vaccination services available at their local pharmacy where 161,000 Covid and 345,000 flu jabs have already been provided ahead of winter.
Last year saw a fifth more patients admitted to hospital with flu compared to the previous winter, with more than 36,000 London hospital beds taken up by patients with the illness.
Jacqueline Walker, Operational Director of Covid-19 and Influenza Vaccination Programmes for the NHS in London, said: “The NHS in London has a strong ambition to make vaccines readily accessible and convenient for eligible people, whether via GPs, community clinics, or local pharmacies.
“Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are highly skilled professionals who are trusted by Londoners, to not only provide medicines, but to deliver clinical care to communities, including vaccinations to prevent ill health.
“We see many hospitalisations every year as a result of flu, so it is vital that people eligible for the vaccine come forward before winter viruses start to circulate more widely.”
Lewis Grove Pharmacy in Lewisham has delivered vaccinations for over 15 years and continues to protect South London communities against flu and drive the NHS shift from sickness to prevention.
Salim Jetha, Superintendent Pharmacist, has worked at Lewis Grove for over 40 years, and urges local communities to come forward to get their jab.
He said: “At Lewis Grove Pharmacy, eligible patients for the flu and Covid-19 vaccines can either book an appointment, or just walk in. Most of our vaccinations are via walk-ins, as people find this option stress-free and flexible.
“We offer vaccinations to anyone who is eligible, including two to three-year-olds. Parents who bring their young children in are always amazed at how easy it is.”
One patient, Pauline, attended Lewis Grove pharmacy to receive her flu and Covid-19 vaccination on the day.
She said: “It was so convenient, I just hopped on the bus, had it done, then popped back on the bus to go home. To anyone who is nervous about having their vaccinations, I’d say there’s nothing to worry about.”
While around 70-80% of Lewis Grove Pharmacy’s vaccinations take place on a walk-in basis, appointments can also be made.
Lesley was contacted by email and could select from a list of local NHS services offering the vaccine and chose Lewis Grove.
She said: “My vaccination was very good, it was on time, and it barely hurt. It was quick and everybody at the pharmacy was very pleasant. It’s so much easier to book at the pharmacy, and it was convenient to fit into my day as I was in the area anyway.”
The free NHS flu vaccine is available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff, as well as children and pregnant women.
751 pharmacies across the capital are delivering the flu vaccination to two to three-year-olds, allowing London parents to protect their toddlers from getting seriously ill with flu ahead of winter.
The flu vaccine is given to young children as a quick, painless nasal spray, and is an easy way of winter-proofing NHS services, preventing hospitalisations from the virus this winter. During 2022-23, more than 6,000 children under the age of five in England were hospitalised due to flu.
CJ, patient at Lewis Grove Pharmacy, understands the importance of getting children vaccinated, after one of her family members caught flu from their nursery-age child and was hospitalised for six weeks with pneumonia.
She said: “They nearly died, they had 1.5L of liquid on their lungs. The doctors thought they wouldn’t make it but thankfully they did. Everyone else in the house caught it apart from me because I was pregnant and had my flu jab. I always have my flu jab and make sure my children do too.
“To anyone hesitant, I’d say don’t underestimate the way it can affect you – it’s not just a bad cold. It’s super convenient to get it done at your local pharmacy.”
