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New study reveals the role community pharmacy should play in driving flu vaccination uptake amongst at-risk patients

03 February 2014
Feature Healthcare
A new study by the University of Nottingham and Boots UK reveals community pharmacy can play an important role in driving the uptake of flu vaccinations amongst at-risk patients, including those with diabetes and pregnant women. The NHS and WHO (World Health Organisation) have set a target of 75% of at-risk patients to receive a flu vaccination, however during the winter of 2011/12 there was only a 50% uptake. The new study highlights the integrated role community pharmacy can play, working alongside GPs, in reaching patients unlikely to access the service at their surgery.
 
The research published online in open access journal BMC Health Services Research analysed data collected from a sample of Boots UK community pharmacies during 2012/2013. It reveals that despite being eligible for a flu vaccination free on the NHS some patients still preferred to pay for the service at their local pharmacy.
 
Peter Bainbridge, Director of Pharmacy at Boots UK comments: “50% of at-risk patients are not receiving their flu vaccination and we believe community pharmacy can help reduce this number. Patients tell us that a pharmacy is a convenient and accessible option for getting their flu vaccination. We are near to where they work and have opening hours that suit their busy lives.  At-risk patients regularly visit our pharmacies to collect their prescription and to seek advice and support so our pharmacists are also well placed to remind them of the importance of immunisation.”
 
Professor Claire Anderson from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham, comments: “There is a recognised need to continue to drive uptake flu vaccinations for patients in at-risk groups but achieving the level required is challenging and requires innovative thinking and new approaches. Community pharmacy is currently an underused resource within the NHS and this latest research demonstrates a valuable role pharmacy can play as part of an integrated healthcare system.”
 
Rob Darracott, Chief Executive, Pharmacy Voice said: “It is encouraging that many people are choosing to pay to have their flu vaccination in community pharmacies even when they are eligible for NHS vaccinations because of the accessibility and convenience of the pharmacy service. Clearly there are opportunities for community pharmacy to support the NHS and GPs in delivering free flu vaccinations to patients at risk by targeting those patients unlikely to access services at the GP surgery. Dispensing Health, the new campaign from Pharmacy Voice is designed to raise public awareness of pharmacy services such as flu vaccination which make an important contribution to staying well.”
 

 
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Boots is the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer with over 52,000 team members and around 1,900 stores, ranging from local community pharmacies to large destination health and beauty stores.*

Boots serves its customers and patients for life as the leading provider of healthcare on the high street and the UK’s number one beauty destination. It offers an unrivalled depth and breadth of products, which incorporates its extensive own brand range and innovative portfolio of brands, including No7, the UK’s No1 skincare brand, Soap & Glory, Liz Earle Beauty and Sleek MakeUP.

2024 marks Boots’ 175th anniversary year. Founder John Boot opened a herbalist store in Nottingham in 1849 to offer an affordable alternative to traditional medicines. His son Jesse expanded the business to become a modern retailer and the biggest chemist in Britain. Throughout its history, Boots has listened, learned and innovated, and it continues to challenge itself to improve its products and services every day.

Boots is part of Walgreens Boots Alliance, which is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail.  More company information is available on boots-uk.com.

*Figures accurate as of 31 May 2024