As temperatures drop and winter illnesses rise, community pharmacies are stepping forward as an essential frontline in public health. Across Northern Ireland, the “Stay Well this Winter” campaign is running in over 500 pharmacies, under the Living Well service. Delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency, Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI) and the Department of Health, it aims to help people prepare for the colder months, manage minor illnesses, and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
Why this matters now
Winter conditions can exacerbate chronic illnesses and leave people more vulnerable to respiratory infections. Because respiratory disease is among the most common causes of winter hospital admissions, preventative measures are vital. Older adults and people with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes or COPD are particularly at risk.
What pharmacies offer
Pharmacists are ideally placed in the community to provide accessible advice and support without appointment. They can assist with:
- Advice on over-the-counter remedies for colds, coughs, sore throats, earaches and more
- Guidance on when a condition does or does not need escalation
- Vaccination services (flu, COVID-19, RSV) for those eligible
- Health promotion messages: hand hygiene, “catch it, bin it, kill it,” staying warm, nutrition, and mental health support
- Signposting to further health or social care where needed
A recent evaluation of the “Stay Well” campaign reports that pharmacy teams engaged with vulnerable populations (for example, in hostels), encouraged eligible individuals to take up vaccinations, and raised awareness of good hand hygiene.
Working with the wider health system
CPNI is urging a “whole system” approach to winter pressures, wherein community pharmacies form a core part of the strategy to alleviate strain on GPs and hospitals. Through initiatives like Pharmacy First (treating minor illnesses such as sore throat or urinary tract infections), pharmacists can often manage conditions that would otherwise require GP intervention. The Northern Ireland Winter Preparedness Plan also recognises the vital role pharmacies can play at community level.
How people can get involved
Everyone can take steps now to reduce winter health risks. If eligible, receive your flu, COVID or RSV vaccine. Practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Stay warm (maintain heating around 18-21 °C) and eat well. And importantly, see your pharmacist early for advice rather than waiting until symptoms worsen.
By bringing health services into the heart of the community, pharmacies are helping people stay healthier through the winter months and easing pressure on the wider health system.