Getting vaccinated has traditionally been an event that takes place at your GP practice, however with mounting pressure on the NHS, community pharmacies have been taking up the slack in order to provide their local area with access to the crucial vaccines necessary to keep diseases at bay. Many parents were open to taking their children to places other than their GP practice, and for good reason.

Offering a wide range of vaccinations for children, including chicken pox, meningitis B and other childhood diseases, it’s a straight-forward process to get in touch with your local pharmacy to arrange an appointment for your child to receive those important vaccinations. If you’re going abroad and the travel authority suggests a particular vaccination, you can also check with your local pharmacy whether your child is able to receive it, and they will help you find a pharmacy or healthcare professional who will be able to administer the vaccination for you.

Your community pharmacy team understands that vaccinations can be a stressful experience for your children, and will use their years of experience to make the process as easy for your child as possible.

When you arrange a vaccination at your local pharmacy, your child will always receive their vaccine from a trained medical professional. Many pharmacies don’t require an appointment, allowing you to pop in at a time that’s convenient for you, and avoid the long waits you may find at your local GP.

Vaccines are not mandatory in the UK, and you will be asked for your consent before any vaccine is administered to your child. However, without a vaccination, your child is at greater risk of getting serious diseases. Some parents may have chosen not to vaccinate their children, but change their mind at a later date to ensure their child is protected. It’s never too late to check whether your child can still receive their vaccinations - simply call your local pharmacy to make sure your child has access to any vaccinations they may have missed for whatever reason.

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Help take the pressure off the NHS at this difficult time by speaking to your pharmacist when your child or baby is feeling under the weather. Your local pharmacy team will give you the guidance you need to keep you and your family feeling well this winter.