AAH delivers unique flu vaccine service
16 June 2008
For the first time in England, people over 18 years old will be able to enter their local pharmacy at a time which is convenient to them and receive a flu vaccination from a pharmacist.
The new service, offered under a private PGD, has been pioneered and launched by AAH Pharmaceuticals and is the latest addition to the company's Healthwatch services.
Ajit Malhi, head of marketing services for AAH said: "As this is a first for pharmacists we will host training at the end of August with qualified nurses.
"Administering vaccinations does not make up part of a pharmacist's traditional education. However, once the training has been completed they will gain the necessary knowledge, skills and accreditation to allow them to perform this new undertaking.
"This new service will offer convenience to the public and enhance the pharmacist's status as a local healthcare professional.
"It will also offer pharmacists an additional avenue for income generation at a time when revenue from dispensing has been reduced and gaining new service income from PCOs remains challenging."
The service is scheduled to commence in time for the start of the flu season in October. Traditionally, the elderly and other designated vulnerable groups have been targeted for flu vaccinations, but this new service will allow anybody over 18 years of age to walk into their local pharmacy for a vaccination. This will ensure they remain flu-free and therefore able to continue working, travelling and enjoying leisure activities.
AAH has been developing the service for the past year and it is available to its Healthwatch customers in England on a first come first served basis. It has been limited to 150 customers initially to allow the company to maintain ongoing support and training as and when required.
Information packs, literature and point of sale materials, along with a dedicated Healthwatch manager, will be supplied to customers wishing to take advantage of the service. AAH will also arrange for further support from nurses if required.
Mark James, group managing director at AAH said: "The development of the flu vaccine service has been meticulously planned to offer patients an alternative to visiting a GP or clinic.
"The regulatory and legal hurdles that we have had to overcome have been very challenging, however, our longstanding proficiency in service provision in pharmacy has stood us in good stead and allowed us to successfully bring this service to market."
For further press information, please contact:
Dean Enon
Gravitas Public Relations, 7 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GLOS GL50 1QB
Tel: 01242 211000
