IPU Reports That 1000 Pharmacists Have Signed Up to Vaccination Training

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) reports that over 1000 pharmacists have signed up to vaccination training in preparation for the 2011/12 flu season. If everything goes to plan, flu vaccinations will become available in most pharmacies very shortly.

Boots have confirmed that they will be launching their flu vaccination service on the 5th of October 2011, with most other pharmacies expected to follow suit.

UPDATE: Due to the delay in passing the necessary legislation the start of flu vaccination service has been pushed back by approximately two weeks.
NEW UPDATE: The legislation has been passed and we finally have a date. Flu vaccinations in Irish pharmacies will commence this coming Monday, 17th October 2011. Get those phones out and start booking your appointments.

Last year Boots were the only pharmacy offering flu jabs though their Patient Group Direction (PGD) protocol, this year however, legislation is being amended to allow all pharmacists to provide the flu vaccination service.

It's looking increasingly likely that medical card holders will also be able to avail of this service, with final details being hammered out as we write this.

After years of cutbacks in the pharmacy sector we finally have some good news. The introduction of a vaccination service marks a major step forward for Irish pharmacy, with hopefully many more to follow.