Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

People in Midlands asked to book winter vaccines by 14 December

Viruses that cause flu and Covid spread more easily as it gets colder, warns NHS England director, Roz Lindridge

The National Health Service (NHS) has reminded people in Midlands that online bookings for winter vaccines will be closed in two weeks.


Those who are eligible for flu and Covid vaccines are encouraged to go online or on the NHS App and book an appointment by 14 December 2023, and get vaccinated before 15 December.

It takes up to two weeks to build up maximum defences against the viruses, and so it is important to get the vaccines administered ahead of the winter holidays for better protection, the NHS said.

Viruses spread more easily as it gets colder and as we spend more time indoors in close contact, warned NHS England director, Roz Lindridge, who is responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands.

“As we all set to gather with friends and family over the festive and new year period, it’s best to get vaccinated now to make sure you are protected from getting sick,” she said.

People who have previously had a vaccination or been ill with flu or Covid-19 before should also get the vaccines as “immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year, so it is important you top up your protection,” Roz added.

After 14 December, those eligible may be able to book a Covid-19 vaccination directly with a pharmacy, or visit a walk-in site, but there will be fewer appointments and you may have to travel further, the NHS said.

Those eligible for a free flu vaccine can still contact their GP surgery or visit a pharmacy offering the service (If 18 or over).

Everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and children aged 6 months and above with certain health conditions are eligible for both winter vaccines.

Care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system, should also get vaccinated against flu and Covid.

The lifesaving NHS winter vaccination programme in the Midlands has delivered more than 2,900,000 flu jabs and over two million Covid vaccines to people most at risk since it began.

More For You

NHS pharmacy funding not enough 2025: £3.073B deal with £1.99B gap fuels reform debate.

Funding alone isn’t going to be enough to save community pharmacy

Photo credit: gettyimages

New funding contract ‘not enough’ to release the sector from financial blackhole

After almost a year without an agreement, a new funding contract for community pharmacy was finally announced yesterday (31 March).

The settlement raises the baseline annual funding for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) in 2025/26 to £3.073 billion, with an additional £215 million secured to continue Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pharmacy First: Government confirms £215 million boost to realise its full potential

From April 2025, the consultation fee for Pharmacy First Minor Illness and Clinical Pathways will rise from £15 to £17.

‘Pharmacy First hasn't realised its full potential,’ says Stephen Kinnock

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock has acknowledged that Pharmacy First has huge potential, noting that the service “hasn't realised its full potential.”

As part of efforts to enhance the service, Kinnock yesterday (30) announced £215 million in additional funding for Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Access Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Free morning-after pill at pharmacies to end postcode lottery for patients

Pharmacy technicians will be allowed to supply of drospirenone for contraception under PGD,

gettyimages

Pharmacy contract: Free morning-after pill to be available at pharmacies soon

The UK government has announced that, for the first time ever, the ‘morning-after pill’ or emergency contraceptive pill will be available free of charge at pharmacies on the NHS, ending the postcode lottery women face in accessing the medicine and reducing inequalities.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed a record £3.073 billion funding package for community pharmacies in 2025/26, alongside an additional £215 million to sustain Pharmacy First and other Primary Care Recovery Plan services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal College status: The PDA calls for ‘meaningful and collaborative dialogue’

The profession’s success will depend on collaboration across all sectors, says PDA.

gettyimages

Royal College vote: Less than 7% of GB pharmacists in favour, says PDA

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has criticised the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) for moving too quickly to a ballot on its proposed transition to a Royal College, arguing that it resulted in low participation from pharmacists in Great Britain.

Announcing the results of the special resolution vote, the RPS said that the outcome was a “clear mandate” in favour of the transformative change.

Keep ReadingShow less
RPS Wales calls for urgent investment in pharmacy workforce at Senedd meeting

Third from the left: Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales

Photo credit: RPS

Invest in pharmacy workforce: RPS Wales urges Senedd members

Members of the Senedd (MSs) were briefed on the increasing pressures facing pharmacy teams and the urgent need for action to support their health and wellbeing at an event hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Wales.

The event, held on Wednesday, brought together MSs, including first minister Eluned Morgan, to discuss the findings of RPS’ latest Workforce Wellbeing Survey.

Keep ReadingShow less