Health secretary Sajid Javid received his flu vaccination at a London community pharmacy earlier today (Tuesday October 12).

Mr Javid visited Keencare Pharmacy in Victoria, part of the Greenlight Pharmacy Group as well as being a National Pharmacy Association member. The visit was organised by the NPA and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Following the visit, pharmacist Cynthia Langworthy said: "It was great to host the health secretary Sajid Javid here at our pharmacy and vaccinate him against flu.

"We spoke about the wide range of services pharmacies provide. He recognised our efforts during the pandemic and was very appreciative of the key role of pharmacy in the NHS and we discussed how pharmacy is often the 'front door' of the NHS for many of our patients."

Mr Javid commented: "Alongside the COVID-19 booster jabs, we are rolling out the biggest flu programme in our history, with a record 35 million people in England eligible for a free flu jab to keep them safe this winter.

"I’ve done my bit by getting my flu vaccine, and it’s vital that all those who are eligible come forward for both their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines, to give themselves and their loved ones the best possible protection in the months ahead."

NPA chair Andrew Lane said the association was "delighted" to help a member pharmacy vaccinate the health secretary, adding that the visit "also gave us the opportunity to have an initial conversation with him about how pharmacies can help meet the backlog challenge facing the NHS".