A PRO-ACTIVE city pharmacy has already vaccinated 600 people against flu in just a week after offering a series of walk-in clinics.

Kitson's Pharmacy in Broad Street, Worcester, started administering the jabs at the very start of the flu season on Wednesday, September 7.

However, a pharmacy says the uptake of the vaccine had been 'incredible' as staff urged more people to get themselves protected this winter.

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Jivan Sohal, director's assistant at Kitson's, said: "We were on the streets, proactively engaging with the public. There has been a massive uptake already."

 

 

Mr Sohal said there were multiple walk-in clinics at the pharmacy which did not require an appointment. 

He stressed that anybody could come in for a flu jab and some would be eligible for a free jab depending on whether they met the relevant NHS criteria. 

"Some people are used to getting their flu jabs every year and other people are aware it's now flu season and wanted to get themselves protected for the winter. We have seen incredible uptake so far. The flu jab can save lives and reduces unplanned hospital admissions over the winter months, especially at A&E," said Mr Sohal.

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by March 31, 2023), have certain health conditions, are pregnant, are in long-stay residential care, receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick.

The jab is also offered to those who live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, frontline health workers and social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work.

Starting from mid-October, people aged 50 years old or over (including those who will be 50 years old by March 31, 2023) can have a free NHS flu vaccine.