More than half of Northern Ireland’s community pharmacies are taking part in the current winter vaccination campaign immunising patients against flu and Covid-19, officials have said.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health announced on Friday (October 7) that “more than 300” out of 526 pharmacies “are being mobilised across Northern Ireland to assist with the delivery of winter vaccinations for Covid-19 and flu”.

In addition to hosting in-pharmacy clinics, teams have also been making visit to more than 450 care homes and vaccinated residents and staff, said the Department.

NI chief pharmaceutical officer Cathy Harrison recently visited Woodbourne Pharmacy in Belfast where she received her vaccinations and urged eligible members of the public to avail of their free NHS vaccines.  

Ms Harrison said: “Pharmacies are once again playing a major part in the roll out of vaccines alongside their colleagues in GP surgeries and Trusts. 

“This year over 300 community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are offering flu and COVID-19 vaccination to everyone aged 50 and over as well as frontline health and social care staff, pregnant women and carers, offering these groups a convenient and accessible way to avail of the protection offered by vaccination.

“I urge everyone eligible to take up the offer of vaccination. Getting vaccinated is free, quick, and it could make a big difference to your health and the health of those close to you.”