Chairmans Blog:- More Shots in the arm?

I'm feeling absolutely delighted today. 

I've checked the Flu vaccination numbers and we're well up on last year. 

Well done to all those pharmacists who trained up; and offered this service to the vulnerable patients of Gateshead & South Tyneside - helping our GP colleagues (through access and choice) to reach the targets set by the DOH. 

Giving flu vaccinations from pharmacy really is a worthwhile public health service; and it's good news on so many other fronts. 

Firstly, it shows that the public really do value this clinical service from pharmacies - they're voting with their feet; and the post immunisatrion evaluation forms show this also! 

Secondly, this helps to change the mindset of the public to expect clinical services from Pharmacies - reminding patients that we do more than count tablets!

Thirdly, the fact that pharmacies are covered in flu information helps to raise the public awareness of why a flu vaccine is important.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly for contractors, is the fact that commissioners - having seen how well we are vaccinating for flu - may consider using pharmacy for shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis B and pertussis vaccinations.

Now that really would be a shot in the arm for community pharmacy!

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