Professional bodies for pharmacists, doctors and nurses have all endorsed
the Government’s latest national influenza immunisation campaign (PJ, May
27, p793).
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Royal College of General Practitioners
and the Royal College of Nursing were all represented at the official launch
of the three-month campaign on September 21. The Society says that its presence
as one of the key partner organisations in the immunisation drive places pharmacy
at the forefront of health care planning this winter.
In the new campaign, which covers the whole of the United Kingdom, influenza
vaccine is to be offered to all people aged 65 years and over and to others
at particular risk. Previous campaigns have been aimed at those aged over 75
years. A target of 60 per cent vaccine uptake in the over-65s has been set for
this year, increasing subsequently to 70 per cent.
n Boots ’flu campaign Boots the Chemists is to offer ’flu inoculation
for £7.50 on one day only at branches in major population centres. Nurses
will be present at 21 branches on October 5 to screen customers and administer
the vaccine. Elderly patients will be referred to general medical practitioners.