Because of the rather appalling protection given by the 2017 vaccination campaign, I wonder where we will go with the 2018 version.
There’s certainly mixed messages about the relative effectiveness we can expect.

Interestingly, I posed this question on social media a few days ago.
What might we expect?
Will you get vaccinated?

The responses highlighted how poorly we communicate the benefits of ‘flu vaccination (and perhaps all vaccinations).

Many of the comments reflected the issues related to the actual vaccination…….’flu symptoms, inflammation at the site, and lethargy for subsequent days.
Each of the responses were accompanied by a variety of “never again” comments, and if that person was one of the potential beneficiaries of the vaccination, the whole principle isn’t functional.

What is it about vaccination that we don’t actually translate to our patients?
Have we devalued the actual vaccination where it’s a simple procedure and not something that could save a life?

It’s all about education surely.

Why can’t pharmacists be empowered (and remunerated) for this education opportunity.
Pointing out the benefits of being vaccinated is important enough according to the experts – that’s within the political experience of any Government.

However, the whole thing goes pear-shaped when that part of the population who needs the vaccination doesn’t get the injection.

The co-morbidity issues are vital for the correct outcomes.
We can play a role, and we need to be given a chance to increase the vaccination rates to give the Government value for money.