At-risk groups encouraged to get their free NHS flu vaccination

Pharmacies encourage at-risk groups to get their free NHS flu vaccination

Pharmacies across Greater Manchester are gearing up for their busiest ever winter protecting people in at-risk groups and their carers from flu. More than 520 community pharmacies in the region are providing free NHS flu vaccinations to vulnerable groups including the over-65s, those with long-term conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, pregnant women, and carers.

Flu can be extremely serious for older people, those with other health conditions and anyone with reduced immunity. It can also cause complications in pregnancy. That’s why the NHS provides free vaccinations to people at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, their carers, and those living with someone who has reduced immunity.

Free flu vaccinations are available at community pharmacies across Greater Manchester. People usually don’t need to book an appointment – they can just walk in to any pharmacy providing the vaccine and have it there and then if they are eligible. The vaccinations are part of the same scheme offered by GPs. GP practices are informed when a patient has been vaccinated at a pharmacy.

One million people in Greater Manchester are eligible for free flu vaccinations, according to local NHS figures. NHS England has also warned that this year’s flu season could be more serious than last year, making it even more important that at-risk groups and their carers get vaccinated. The eligible groups have been extended this year to include people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.

Pharmacist Aneet Kapoor, who also chairs Greater Manchester Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: “Getting vaccinated helps protect you from flu. People who are more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill or developing complications from flu – and those caring for them – can get a free vaccination at their local pharmacy. Many are open late evenings and weekends and you usually don’t even need an appointment.”

In 2016/17, 463 Greater Manchester pharmacies provided flu vaccinations to 42,631 people. More than 520 Greater Manchester pharmacies are providing vaccinations this year (2017/18).

There is also a film clip which is 1 minute in length and has subtitles on ‘Why you should get your NHS flu vaccination’

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination in a community pharmacy? 

• Anyone who will be 65 or older up to 31 March 2018
• Anyone aged 18-64 in the following categories
  Pregnant
  Long-term health condition (e.g. heart disease; lung conditions like asthma and COPD; liver/kidney disease; diabetes; neurological disease like Parkinson’s, dementia or MND; learning disability)
  Reduced immunity due to disease (e.g. HIV) or treatment (e.g. chemotherapy)
  BMI of 40 or more
  Carer of someone with a long-term condition or close household contact of someone with reduced immunity

Children aged two to three

Young children are also at risk of becoming very ill with flu. Your GP can provide a nasal flu vaccination for children aged two to three. GPs also provide flu vaccinations to the other eligible groups.