Flu Vaccination Availability in Sandwell report

Based on the findings, HWS makes the following recommendations:

• Publicise where flu immunisation is available, especially supermarkets.

• Publicise the side effects and risks to having the flu immunization to dispels myths, fears and concerns.

• Enhance communication between Midwives with expectant parents about the benefits of being immunised.

The survey found that General Practitioners were the most popular provider of the vaccination. 10% of respondents thought it was available at supermarkets. This is a relatively low number and suggests that the public’s awareness of this provider is not widely known. The background research into the availability of flu vaccinations in Sandwell found information via the internet that advises the public to contact their GP or a participating pharmacy to arrange a convenient appointment. None of the publicity stated that the flu vaccination was available at a supermarket. It was inferred that they are available at a ‘participatory pharmacy’, but it was not explicit that they are available at supermarkets.