Community pharmacies in England delivered almost 4.8 million NHS flu jabs in 2021-22, an increase of three quarters on the previous year.

The PSNC announced last night that data from PharmOutcomes and Sonar show there have been 4,793,124 recorded vaccinations, up 73 per cent from the 2.8 million that were administered in the previous flu season.

The negotiator added that the total number “will be even higher” as not all data has been compiled yet and some pharmacy teams have not used electronic recording systems for the 2021-22 flu season, which ended on March 31.

In the coming flu season, the eligibility criteria for free NHS flu jabs will revert to those that applied before the pandemic, meaning adults aged 50 to 64 and primary care staff will no longer be eligible.

This is likely to have a “downwards impact” on pharmacy vaccination rates, said the PSNC, with 50-64 year olds having accounted for 46.2 per cent of all individuals vaccinated in pharmacies in the flu season just passed.

PSNC services director Alastair Buxton commented: “This season’s flu vaccination figures are just incredible. It is testament to the dedication of community pharmacy teams that they have made such a significant contribution to a key public health programme.

“This would be an amazing achievement at the best of times, but even more so when pharmacies have been coping with the impact of the pandemic and wider financial and operational pressures.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all contractors and their teams for working so hard to support their local communities.”