Rishi Sunak has urged all those eligible to get their free winter flu vaccination and to make use of their local pharmacy for minor ailments.
Mr Sunak called in to Well Pharmacy in Boroughbridge Road, Northallerton, to have and pay for his booked vaccination.
This year the flu vaccination is free to those aged 65 and over, and those in at-risk groups.
While at the pharmacy, he spoke to pharmacist James Usmar and his team about the Pharmacy First initiative launched by the Conservative Government earlier this year.
It enables community pharmacists to treat a range of common conditions which would normally be treated by a GP.
By reducing pressure on GPs, it is hoped to free up 10 million appointments for more complex diagnosis and treatment.
After receiving his vaccination Mr Sunak said: “Every year I get my flu jab from a local pharmacist. It’s just one example of the expanded range of services and treatments the modern pharmacy offers.
“The Pharmacy First scheme was launched by the Government and NHS England earlier this year to reduce pressure on GPs. It enable community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.”
Mr Sunak, whose mother owned and ran a local pharmacy where he helped out as a young man, said: “I know the value of the community pharmacist and would urge people to use the improved service they now provide.”
Ian Dean, CEO of Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire, said: “North Yorkshire pharmacies are pleased to be offering the NHS flu vaccination service once again this year. This is a great opportunity for those more ‘at risk’ patients to easily access their free vaccination to protect themselves from health complications over the winter months and is a great example of how community pharmacy can support the NHS to deliver important services in their local communities.”
You can get the NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are a frontline health or social care worker
- live in a care home for older adults
Other care home residents, carers and people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system can also get the flu vaccine.
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