MP urges people to take up free flu jabs

An MP has urged vulnerable people to take advantage of free flu jabs on offer at pharmacies.

Bridget Phillipson, the Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, visited Kepier Pharmacy, in Leyburn Grove, Houghton, to learn more about the service’s importance.

She is also concerned that more than half the people eligible for a free jab across the city failed to take advantage of it last winter. Among the entitled groups are all adults aged 65 years and over and certain adults aged 18 years and over such as pregnant women and those with asthma and diabetes.

Many of the pharmacies also offer the jabs, which are the same as those available from GPs, on a walk-in basis.

Ms Phillipson, who paid for her jab, said: “Despite those with health conditions being more at risk of dying as a result of flu, fewer than half of those with a health condition in Sunderland were vaccinated last winter.

“But not everyone is aware they can receive their flu jab at a local pharmacy and often without the need for an appointment.

“That’s why it’s great that pharmacies like Kepier Pharmacy are providing and advertising this service, ensuring that as many eligible people as possible are vaccinated against the harmful flu virus this winter.”

William Burlace, community pharmacist at Kepier Pharmacy, said the service helped the NHS meet vaccination targets and added: “There is so much that community pharmacists and their teams can do to help people with their medicines and their health.

“Community pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare locations.”