Community pharmacists in Northern Ireland are stepping up to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society. According to Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, pharmacy teams across the region have already visited 348 out of the 445 care homes listed under the Care Home Vaccination Service commissioned by the Department of Health Strategic Planning and Performance Group. This means they have now reached more than three quarters of all eligible facilities, only one month into the programme.
To date, pharmacists have administered 8,547 flu vaccines and 7,218 COVID 19 vaccines to care home residents.
Greene said:
“Community pharmacists have been working tirelessly to deliver flu and COVID 19 vaccinations to care home residents across Northern Ireland as part of the Community Pharmacy Care Home Vaccination Service. It is important to clarify these figures following recent reporting. The data clearly demonstrates the significant progress being made and the strong commitment of community pharmacy teams in protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
In addition to care home vaccinations, community pharmacies throughout Northern Ireland continue to offer flu and COVID 19 vaccinations to other eligible groups in their local communities. This ensures widespread access and protection as winter approaches. Greene added:
“Community pharmacy teams have once again demonstrated the scale and pace at which they are reaching residents and protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society ahead of the winter season.”
How Community Pharmacy Is Making a Difference
- The rapid rollout to care homes highlights the ability of pharmacy teams to deliver large scale public health programmes at pace.
- Care home residents, who are among the highest priority groups for winter vaccinations, are being reached directly in their place of residence.
- Local community pharmacies continue to provide both flu and COVID 19 vaccinations to eligible people across Northern Ireland, strengthening overall winter protection and easing pressure on other health services.