COVID vaccinations and boosters still available from many community pharmacies in Bucks

Health and Social Care, Homepage

As the COVID vaccination programme continues, residents who may still need their booster – or their first or second vaccine dose – are being reminded that community pharmacies are still offering a convenient service in many areas across Buckinghamshire.

Many are still offering walk-in vaccinations, while people can still arrange an appointment using the NHS National Booking Service.

Throughout the COVID vaccination programme, and the pandemic overall, community pharmacies have played a vital role in supporting patients. In Buckinghamshire, they have delivered 38% of all COVID vaccinations – 445,620 of 1,174 417. Their sites have operated in a range of locations across the county, including Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Buckingham, Wing, Marlow, Iver, Amersham, Haddenham and Beaconsfield

And community pharmacies have delivered twice as many flu vaccinations in Bucks this year compared to the previous ‘flu season’ – around 56,731 jabs.

Aside from their vital work in these programmes to keep the local population protected, community pharmacies have continued to provide their normal dispensing provision alongside new COVID-related system support, including a Lateral Flow Distribution and Pandemic Delivery Service.

Mayank Patel, Chief Officer of Buckinghamshire’s Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: “Throughout the pandemic, our doors have been open, with our qualified pharmacist professionals helping to provide front line support to the NHS, not just with prescriptions – but also by continuing to offer clinical advice, over the counter medicines and promote well-being. We are really proud to have played this part in the vaccination programme and continue to support the public and the wider NHS any way we can.”

Dr Raj Bajwa, GP and Chair of NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Alongside their many NHS colleagues and those volunteers who have done such a fantastic job at the GP-led local vaccination sites and mass vaccination sites like The Guttmann Centre, community pharmacies have played an invaluable role in the COVID vaccination programme.

“The number of their sites offering jabs throughout the county has made it easier for many people to get protected sooner. If you haven’t had your booster jab yet – or your first or second vaccine dose – please do try to arrange one as soon as possible.”

You can also book an appointment at a local clinic via the NHS website or call 119 free: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination  (www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/)

Or check for any walk-in clinics near to you at the NHS Grab a jab website – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/ .

For local updates on the vaccination programme – including the latest details on the Health on the Move vaccination van schedules – go to https://www.buckinghamshireccg.nhs.uk/public/your-services/feeling-unwell/covid-19-vaccination-programme/local-covid-19-vaccination-updates/

And remember, if you need non-emergency medical help or advice, pharmacies can be a great source of information and guidance, and can recommend many effective over-the-counter medicines and treatments.