Alphega Pharmacy helps vaccinate the nation with launch of around 60 COVID-19 centres

Alphega UK has started delivering COVID-19 vaccinations to communities across the UK. Over 40 members are administering the vaccine from consultation rooms within their independent community pharmacies, with another 20 to open in the next few weeks.

Alphega Pharmacy is a leading European network of independent pharmacists. Throughout the pandemic, it has helped members by supporting application and submissions to become certified COVID-19 sites, providing over 30,000 pieces of social distancing material, launching a COVID-19 hub with resources, toolkits and signage, providing more than 3,000 face visors and over 800 digital tablets to allow pharmacists to carry out remote patient consultations, and giving practical support to customers in reception and recovery areas.

Raj Nutan, Head of Alphega Pharmacy, said: “Alphega is incredibly proud to be part of this national effort to protect our local communities against COVID-19.  Community pharmacies are often at the heart of areas where there are higher levels of health challenges and vaccine hesitancy.”

Dhimant Patel, Pharmacist and owner of Healthways Pharmacy in Harrow, London said: “We have all seen the effect that COVID-19 has had on our local communities across the UK. As primary healthcare providers, independent pharmacies are well established in their local areas and are ideally placed to help in the fight against the virus.

“We’re delighted to be part of the solution to fight the coronavirus pandemic. We have long been a partner to the NHS and we believe that this vaccination programme is something we have a key role to play in, particularly in reassuring patients, dispelling myths and misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines and boosting uptake.”

Patients will be invited directly by the NHS to book their vaccination appointment at Alphega pharmacies.