Flu jabs now on offer at local pharmacies

People in Filey and Hunmanby are being encouraged to get their flu jabs - with MP Kevin Hollinrake backing the campaign.

Mr Hollinrake, MP for Filey, Thirsk and Malton, said: “A s w i nt e r d r aw s n e a r e r many people will suffer with ill health.

“Older people aged 65 and over,and adults with certain medical conditions can benefit from the NHS flu vaccination service now being offered in pharmacies.

“The scheme will help protect people from health complications through the winter months by making sure they have their flu jab.”

All adults aged 65 years and over, and those aged 18 years or over and in clinical risk groups, can receive a free of charge NHS flu jab at community pharmacies across the country, often without the need for an appointment.

People in “at risk” groups include pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions including asthma and diabetes.

Pharmacists will be using the same vaccination as those offered by GPs and they will be required to notify GPs when they have vaccinated patients.

Last year (September 14 to Febraury 15), North Yorkshire community pharmacies vaccinated 1,721 patients.

By the close of the day on Friday October 23 2015, North Yorkshire community pharmacies had vaccinated 4,145 people, an increase of 140.8 per cent on last year.

Record numbers are now taking advantage of this service.

Anyone wishing to find out more should ask their pharmacist or GP for advice.

There are 152 community pharmacies in North Yorkshire and 95 per cent of the North Yorkshire population live within a 10 -minute drive of a community pharmacy.

The vast majority of the pharmacies have private consultation rooms at the disposal of patients.