In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, Numark has launched a nationwide consumer campaign for its community pharmacy members to help protect the public from this winter’s seasonal flu.
The ‘patch of pride’ campaign is a rallying call to encourage people to get the NHS and private flu jabs, not only to protect themselves but others this winter.
Numark hopes to mark a social movement with people to stand against flu and protect the most vulnerable in the communities.
Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Jeremy Meader, managing director at Numark said: “It’s imperative in the wake of Covid-19 that all primary care providers see that as many older audiences and clinically vulnerable groups as possible receive their NHS flu vaccination. While supply and demand is a concern, these audience groups continue to be main priority.
“Protecting those most vulnerable to us is the crux of this campaign. It looks to galvanise the family members of those eligible for a flu jab to get themselves protected – to further safeguard their loved ones.
“Patch of pride rallies all those looking to protect themselves in order to help others more vulnerable, be it mum, dad, gran or the NHS.
“If people living with or caring for those more clinically vulnerable get the flu this winter, they can easily spread it to their loved ones. Being young, for example, doesn’t prevent you from being a carrier.
“What we want to do is be able to help reduce the overall number of flu patients, to help relieve pressures in hospitals should further waves of Covid-19 continue to emerge this winter while helping to protect the most vulnerable groups in families and communities.”
All Numark member pharmacies, including Rowlands pharmacies – Numark’s largest community pharmacy member group – have a collection of ‘patch of pride’ stickers in-store for those vaccinated to wear on their arm to help inspire others to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this winter.
Mark Bather, Managing Director for Rowlands Pharmacies, concludes: “We have a duty of care to all our patient communities and will have the appropriate safety measures in place as we welcome people in to store to receive their flu jab this year.
“It’s been an unprecedented year for all our pharmacies, and we acknowledge this year’s flu season could present further challenges still, but this season presents an opportunity like no other for people to further protect the most vulnerable.”
