Overwhelming public support for having a Covid-19 booster jab at local pharmacy

Exclusive:

EXCLUSIVE: A poll shows a huge number would consider opting for a top-up vaccine at their community chemist

Pharmacist Andrew Hodgson jabs a dose of the coronavirus vaccine to Robert Salt, 82, at Andrews Pharmacy in Macclesfield, Cheshire (

Image: PA)

Nine out of 10 people would consider getting a coronavirus booster jab at their local chemist, a poll reveals tonight.

The YouGov survey for the National Pharmacy Association showed 90% of 2,105 adults quizzed online this month who plan to receive a third jab might opt for a pharmacy site, if an outlet was available.

Two-thirds said it would be “very convenient”, compared with 30% for mass vaccination centres.

Overall, 82% of people said they would be interested in getting a booster injection, with less than 10% definitely not interested.

However, of those “very interested” in getting extra protection, the majority were older people – 79% of over-55s, compared with 57% of 18-24 years olds and 49% of 24-34 year olds.

Booster jabs for over-50s and over-16s who usually have flu vaccines are recommended this autumn and winter
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Image:

PA)

NPA chairman Andrew Lane said: “Pharmacies are well placed for delivering booster Covid-19 vaccinations, allowing GPs to focus on clearing the care backlog in the NHS.

“Pharmacies have been central to the NHS response to Covid throughout, and the vaccine programme is just one of the ways we’ve stepped up.

“I met the Vaccines Minister and he was conscious that people have a high level of trust in their local pharmacists, and that they are present in all communities – including the most deprived areas of the country.”

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended booster jabs for about 30 million of the most vulnerable patients.

Tens of millions of people have already been inoculated against Covid-19
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Image:

Getty)

They will include all adults aged 50 and over, and anyone over 16 who qualifies for a flu jab.

Injections could be given alongside the traditional winter flu vaccine, starting in September.

Mr Lane added: “It isn’t yet certain how flu and Covid vaccination programmes will run alongside each other, but pharmacies have proven themselves more than capable in relation to both.

“After the mass vaccination centres are wound down, pharmacies will still be there for the long haul out of this nightmare.”

The Mirror is campaigning to save family chemists.

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