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RPS in Wales welcomes plans for additional flu vaccines

New guidance for community pharmacies in Wales

Guidance issued by Public Health Wales has set out plans for how community pharmacies in Wales can access additional stock of flu vaccines during the 2020-21 influenza season.

The guidance, issued to support increasing demand for the flu vaccine, has been welcomed by RPS Wales. The government secured stock should only be used by community pharmacies in prioritising NHS vaccinations for individuals under 65 years of age in clinical risk groups and for social care workers. It will be available to pharmacies who have used all current stock or have allocated it to pre-booked appointments.

It is very good news that the uptake of the flu vaccine is much higher than previous years with Community pharmacy in Wales administrating high volumes of NHS flu vaccinations to the Welsh population.  More than 16,000 flu vaccinations were administered in September and additional demand is anticipated as the flu vaccination programme is rolled out.  

Commenting on the guidance, Chair of the RPS Welsh Pharmacy Board, Suzanne Scott-Thomas said:

“We welcome the additional stock of flu vaccines for community pharmacies. Their role is essential in delivering the largest flu vaccination programme we have seen in a lifetime”

“Community pharmacy is a key player in the flu vaccination programme in any given year but their role is vitally important this season amid the current pandemic”

“Their essential contribution in successfully increasing uptake in Wales must not go unnoticed and must continue to be part of ongoing annual seasonal flu plans, as part of collaborative efforts with other healthcare professions in Wales”.

Further advice about delivering flu vaccination services during the pandemic

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