You may be eligible for a free flu jab as temperatures begin to dip
London pharmacies deliver over half a million flu and Covid jabs ahead of winter. Pharmacies across London have already given out more than half a million flu and Covid-19 jabs as health bosses urge people to get vaccinated before winter illnesses start to spread.
According to NHS London, local pharmacies have dished out 161,000 Covid and 345,000 flu vaccines so far as part of a huge effort to keep Londoners healthy through the colder months. Last winter saw a fifth more people hospitalised with flu compared to the year before, with more than 36,000 beds taken up by patients across the capital.
Jacqueline Walker, who leads the Covid-19 flue vaccination programmes for the NHS in London said: “Pharmacist and pharmacy technicians are highly skilled professionals… who deliver clinical care to their communities.
“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.”
One pharmacy helping make that happen is Lewis Grove pharmacy in Lewisham which has been delivering flu jabs for more than 15 years. Superintendent pharmacist, Salem Jetha, who’s worked there for over four decades, said most of their patients just walked in without an appointment.
Stating that people found it “stress free and flexible”, he added: “We offer vaccinations to anyone who is eligible including two-to three-year-olds. Parents are always surprised by how quick and easy it is.”
Locals say the service has made getting vaccinated much more convenient. Pauline, who popped in for her flu and Covid jabs on the same day, 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 nervous about having their vaccinations, I’d say there’s nothing to worry about.”
The free NHS flu jab is available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, children, pregnant women, and frontline healthcare workers.
You can find your nearest walk in-vaccination site or check if you’re eligible on the NHS website.
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