Numark has launched a nationwide campaign to encourage more people to vaccinate themselves against the flu this winter.

As part of the initiative, pharmacies will try to persuade patients to wear a plaster with the words ‘#patchofpride’ to get friends and loved ones to get the jab.

Pharmacies will also be able to use posters and other resources to promote flu vaccines to customers, including POS material and flyers.

“A ‘forever changed’ perception of health emerges in the wake of Covid-19 and what now unites communities is that many people feel a heightened sense of social duty and responsibility to protect the health of themselves, families and others which is why this campaign feels so pertinent for this year,” said Jeremy Meader, Numark’s managing director.

“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.”