How pharmacies across south east London are protecting residents against winter illness
Local pharmacies are protecting south east Londoners against a surge in winter illnesses.
This Ask Your Pharmacist Week, we are urging residents to make use of vaccination services available at their local pharmacy. In south east London pharmacies alone, 161,000 COVID and 345,000 flu jabs have already been provided ahead of winter.
Last year’s data shows why protecting against COVID and flu remains important: a fifth more patients were admitted to hospital with flu compared to the previous winter across London, with more than 36,000 hospital beds taken up by patients with the illness.
Yvonne Akande, NHS South East London ICB vaccinations and immunisations lead, said:
“We’re committed to making vaccines as accessible and convenient as possible, including through local pharmacies. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are trusted professionals who not only provide medicines but deliver vital clinical care, including vaccinations that prevent illness. Every year, flu leads to hospitalisations, so it’s essential that eligible people come forward for their vaccine before winter viruses circulate more widely.”
Lewis Grove Pharmacy in Lewisham has delivered vaccinations for over 15 years and continues to protect south east London communities against flu and drive the NHS shift from sickness to prevention.
Salim Jetha, Superintendent Pharmacist, has worked at Lewis Grove for over 40 years and urges local communities to come forward to get their jab.
He said: “At Lewis Grove Pharmacy, eligible patients for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can either book an appointment or just walk in. Most of our vaccinations are via walk-ins, as people find this option stress-free and flexible.
“We offer vaccinations to anyone who is eligible, including two- to three-year-olds. Parents who bring their young children in are always amazed at how easy it is.”
One patient, Pauline, attended Lewis Grove Pharmacy to receive her flu and COVID-19 vaccination on the day.
She said: “It was so convenient. I just hopped on the bus, had it done, then popped back on the bus to go home. To anyone who is nervous about having their vaccinations, I’d say there’s nothing to worry about.”
While around 70–80% of Lewis Grove Pharmacy’s vaccinations take place on a walk-in basis, appointments can also be made.
Lesley was contacted by email and could select from a list of local NHS services offering the vaccine and chose Lewis Grove.
She said: “My vaccination was very good. It was on time, and it barely hurt. It was quick and everybody at the pharmacy was very pleasant. It’s so much easier to book at the pharmacy, and it was convenient to fit into my day as I was in the area anyway.”
The free NHS flu vaccine is available for everyone aged 65 and over, under-65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff, as well as children and pregnant women.
CJ, a patient at Lewis Grove Pharmacy, understands the importance of getting children vaccinated after one of her family members caught flu from their nursery-age child and was hospitalised for six weeks with pneumonia.
She said: “They nearly died. They had 1.5L of liquid on their lungs. The doctors thought they wouldn’t make it, but thankfully they did. Everyone else in the house caught it apart from me because I was pregnant and had my flu jab. I always have my flu jab and make sure my children do too.
“To anyone hesitant, I’d say don’t underestimate the way it can affect you—it’s not just a bad cold. It’s super convenient to get it done at your local pharmacy.”*
Check patient eligibility here, and find pharmacies for walk-in appointments by using the NHS walk-in finder.