Using a social media and local community groups to provide information about COVID-19 vaccinations

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 improves local awareness about the availability and benefits of COVID-19 Vaccinations. It uses a variety of methods to communicate with people who may be more difficult to reach.

How the pharmacy did this

The pharmacy had used a variety of commonly used social media platforms to give information to people about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. And it had used the same platforms to tell people where they could get their vaccination locally. In doing this the pharmacy had been able to get information to people in the younger cohorts.

The pharmacy also had well established links with community-based organisations such as the local parish council and church groups. And this had allowed the pharmacy to promote the service further and encourage people to get their vaccination. Since commencing the vaccination service there had been a good uptake across all patient groups. And more recently the pharmacy had seen a good response for the booster dose from older cohorts. The pharmacy was now in the process of increasing site capacity.

What difference this made to patients

People are provided with accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccines. This includes how and where they can find the vaccination service. The information is readily available and easy to access. This makes it easier for people and encourages them to get vaccinated.