Providing the flu vaccination service offsite

Pharmacy type

Community

Pharmacy context

​Covid-19

Relevant standards

• 4.1 - The pharmacy services provided are accessible to patients and the public

Why this is notable practice

The pharmacy is working with a local business to deliver the seasonal flu vaccination service offsite. It identifies and manages the risks associated with providing the service at a distance well. This includes processes to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

How the pharmacy did this

The pharmacy worked with a business to plan the arrangements for holding flu vaccination clinics offsite, within a hotel. It had completed a risk assessment of the service. And it had received the necessary authorisation before providing the service offsite. The pharmacy informed people of the arrangements in place for the service. And it clearly advertised the arrangements through its website and social media page.

The pharmacy delivered the service from an area which allowed social distancing. This meant members of the pharmacy team could socially distance from people until the point of vaccination. And people accessing the service could socially distance from each other while waiting. The arrangement involved a one-way system with separate entrance and exit routes to the area of the hotel used by the pharmacy.

The pharmacy had also considered the storage arrangements for the vaccines. This included storing them safely and in a temperature-controlled environment. And ensuring only a limited number of vaccines were onsite at the hotel at any given time.

What difference this made to patients

People in the local community are able to access the flu vaccination service in a suitable environment. The arrangement helps the pharmacy to manage its workload. And it reduces pressure on team members during this busy period. This means people accessing the pharmacy’s other services can continue to do so without experiencing increased waiting times.