South Belfast MLA supports local pharmacy flu vaccination service during Ask Your Pharmacist week.

South Belfast SDLP MLA and Health Committee member, Mr Fearghal McKinney took time out of his schedule recently to call into his local community pharmacy, Balmoral Pharmacy as part of Ask your Pharmacist Week. During his visit Mr McKinney experienced first-hand one of pharmacy’s new services, when he received his flu vaccination.

Mr McKinney said, “I was delighted to attend Balmoral Pharmacy this week and witness the outstanding service they provide to the local community.

This year is the first time pharmacies are offering a flu vaccination service and I took the opportunity during my visit to receive this vaccination. It was a convenient and hassle free way to protect myself from developing the flu virus and is an excellent example of community pharmacies helping the public to stay fit and well during the winter months.”

He continued, “It is vitally important that people avail of the high standard of advice provided by their local community pharmacy which can help reassure and support people who are having concerns over their health and wellbeing.”

Gerry Watters, pharmacist at Balmoral Pharmacy, Upper Lisburn Road added, “Ask your Pharmacist Week provides an invaluable opportunity to speak to your local pharmacist about treatments for common ailments ahead of the winter.  We have recently undergone a major refit and the pharmacy has been extended to include a private consultation room for the delivery of additional clinical services.

Alongside the usual dispensing services, we offer Minor Ailments, Smoking Cessation, Medicine Use Reviews (MURs) and as we demonstrated today, we have recently launched a flu vaccine service.”

The theme of the awareness week which starts on Monday, November 4 is to highlight the advice and treatment available at a community pharmacy for common ailments designed to help people stay well during the winter months. 

For further information about the role of the community pharmacist log onto www.communitypharmacyni.co.uk