Antibiotics and antivirals

The ineffectiveness of antibiotics for the common cold, flu and the vast majority of coughs has been at the centre of health campaigns for many winters now. Prescribing antibiotics for these conditions can actually cause patients harm as its puts them at risk of adverse side effects without providing any benefits. Some antivirals may be used to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, but only in certain patient groups and under set circumstances, such as during an epidemic and by those considered at risk of complications.

Flu vaccination eligibility

Every year, flu cases put extra pressure on the NHS. An outbreak of flu can have a devastating impact, causing severe complications in young children and in people with long-term conditions. This winter, community pharmacies are once again providing the flu vaccination service to eligible patients. And pharmacy teams have already surpassed the total number of NHS flu vaccinations delivered last year in less than eight weeks. 

Do you know the groups of people who are eligible for free flu vaccinations under the NHS? Do you know the process to follow when people come into the pharmacy for their flu jab? What about those who aren’t eligible for a free jab, but are prepared to pay for the vaccination? If you haven’t already got notes on this displayed in your pharmacy, make a list and share it with your colleagues.