More pregnant women and carers urged to get the jab against this year’s seasonal flu virus.

100,000 Londoners have already had the free NHS flu jab at pharmacies – making it the highest flu vaccination rates the capital has ever seen, NHS England (London) said today.

Last year pharmacies delivered a total of 67,000 flu vaccinations to at risk patients for the entire season which runs from September to January.  This year, the 100,000th flu jab has just been delivered by Pharmacist Pia Recarte from Boots in Southfields in Wandsworth, just halfway through the season and GP surgeries are also reporting record uptakes.

NHS England (London) welcomed the uptake but also put out an urgent call to pregnant women and carers – who represent only 2.3 per cent and 4.5 per cent of the 100,000 respectively – to get vaccinated as soon as possible before flu strikes.

Older people, the very young, pregnant women and those with a health condition – particularly chronic respiratory conditions or those with a weakened immune system – are at particular risk from the more serious effects of flu, and are eligible for the vaccine free on the NHS.

It’s the second year NHS England (London) and the Local Pharmaceutical Committees across London have worked together to make the vaccine available through pharmacies, and this year eligible patients can also receive an additional vaccine at the same time to protect against pneumococcal infections which can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis.

Caroline Alexander, Chief Nurse NHS England (London) said: “The flu vaccine is safe for both mothers and babies during any stage of pregnancy and women who have had the flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.

“Pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications like infections and respiratory illness if they get flu, and it can also put babies at risk of premature birth.  The jab is free for pregnant women, and also for carers of elderly or disabled people, so we want to encourage people not to take the risk and get protected.”

Kenny Gibson, Head of Early Years and Immunisations at NHS England (London) said: “Flu is miserable for everyone, and it’s vitally important that at risk individuals get immunised before flu viruses start circulating. We’re delighted that pharmacists have reached this outstanding milestone so early on in the flu season, but we also want to continue this tremendous effort.

“GP practices should also be recognised for delivering high levels of vaccinations to help protect Londoners this winter as well.”

Rekha Shah, Chief Executive of Pharmacy London, a collaborative of London Local Pharmaceutical Committees said:

“Community pharmacy teams are perfectly placed to offer vaccination services such as this, being that they are accessible and able to offer the service over extended hours without the need for an appointment.

“Through previous experience and via word of mouth, the public is now far more aware of the convenience of the pharmacy service.

“Flu can be a debilitating and dangerous illness, and can have a massive impact on our health service resources so we are delighted that London pharmacy has managed to play such a valuable part in the flu vaccination programme this year.”