A pharmacy in West London has delivered the 125,000th flu jab in London this winter – making it the highest flu vaccination rate the capital has ever seen.

NHS England London welcomed the milestone but also urged others to have the jab as soon as possible before flu strikes, pointing out that thousands more people are eligible for the vaccine but have not yet had it.

Older people, pregnant women, the very young 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.

The 125,000th flu jab was delivered by Pharmacist Jonathan Poon from Green Light Pharmacy in Shepherd’s Bush last week to Neemee-tian Teong, 60, from White City.

Last year a total of 116,012 flu vaccinations were given to at risk patients throughout the entire season which runs from September to January.

Caroline Alexander, Chief Nurse NHS England (London) said: “Nobody wants to get flu – but it’s easy to forget that for some people flu can lead to potentially more serious problems. The good news is that if you get yourself protected you’re far less likely to come down with the flu this winter and what’s more, you won’t have to feel guilty for passing on the virus to your loved ones.

“We are strongly urging everyone in the ‘at risk’ group to visit their local pharmacy or GP as soon as possible for the seasonal flu jab.”

Pharmacist Director, Sanjay Ganvir from Green Light Pharmacy in Shepherd’s Bush said: “I’m very proud of our role in helping protect Londoners against flu this winter and it’s great that so many people have been vaccinated. I hope many more people will realise that community pharmacies offer this free NHS service and come in to get their flu jab. Community pharmacies are open in the evenings and weekends, and you don’t need an appointment which means it is a really convenient place to get the vaccine.”

Kenny Gibson, Head of Early Years and Immunisations at NHS England (London) said: “I’m delighted that we have reached this milestone, thanks to the hard work of pharmacists and surgeries across London, which means more people than ever before have come forward for the jab. However, there are many eligible people out there who still have not been vaccinated against flu. It is free for pregnant women, and also for carers of elderly or disabled people and those with long-term conditions so we want to encourage people not to take the risk and get protected against flu.”