Patients in the ‘at risk’ categories are eligible for a free pneumonia vaccination through the GP, but may not be aware of the disease and its associated risks.

Speak to those falling into the high risk groups and the parents of babies and young children to make them aware of the disease and availability of the vaccination. It’s also a good idea to promote the NHS flu vaccination service.

But many people are not eligible for an NHS vaccination but still want to be protected to:

• Stay healthy over winter
• Reduce the risk of spreading the infection to family and friends in ‘at risk’ groups

Pharmacy is an ideal location to offer the vaccination to these customers by offering a private pneumonia vaccination service via a Patient Group Direction (PGD).

More information on private Patient Group Directions is (PGDs) is available to Numark members to support the delivery of a private service.