Month: January 2021

People aged 65-69 can now book their Covid-19 vaccination appointments at one of NI’s seven regional vaccination centres.

The online booking is available at https://covid-19.hscni.net/

The Department of Health this week announced a twin track approach to accelerating NI’s vaccination programme – ensuring more people can take up the offer of vaccination and help protect themselves against Covid-19.

GPs will be focusing on the 70 plus age group, while the seven regional vaccination centres will in parallel be offering offer vaccination appointments to 65-69 year-olds.

Register your interest: here

UK-wide Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) Codeword Scheme launched.

This domestic abuse codeword scheme is being established in pharmacies to enable victims of domestic abuse to access support within their community, from the safety of their local pharmacy.

Contractors wishing to participate in the scheme may access training materials and posters at the given links (Ask for ANI materials / Ask for ANI & Safe Spaces materials) and are asked to complete an online form to confirm their decision to provide the scheme and to ensure that staff watch the training animation and read the guidance.

The scheme will initially be available in Boots pharmacies, as well as a number of other independent pharmacies. Participating pharmacies will have promotional material on display in store to signal that they are taking part.

The ‘Ask for ANI’ scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and access to support. By asking for ‘ANI’, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access the 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline.

As a trusted source of advice and support in towns and villages across the country, and with specifically trained staff, pharmacies can provide a safe space for victims to sound an alarm if they are isolated at home with their abuser and unable to get help in another way.  

The Ask for ANI scheme was welcomed by Minister Swann: “I am acutely aware of how difficult lockdown has been for those affected by domestic abuse. A trip to the pharmacy may be the only chance victims have to access emergency support. My Department, along with the Department of Justice, has been working closely with the Home Office to help develop the Ask for ANI scheme so that victims can get that support safely and discreetly.

“For anyone who is feeling afraid within their own home because of domestic abuse, please reach out. You are not alone.”

Minister Swann added: “Our community pharmacies play an essential role in delivering health services to the people of Northern Ireland, and this has been particularly evident in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic with pharmacy teams rising to the challenges posed by the emergency to adapt and maintain their services.

“I am delighted that ‘Ask for ANI’ will be available from Boots pharmacies and some independent pharmacies in Northern Ireland and I would encourage other pharmacies to consider joining.”

The Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Domestic Abuse is an abhorrent crime. The Department is fully conscious of the detrimental impact Covid-19 is having on victims of domestic abuse and their greater vulnerability during this period. The new environment has provided perpetrators with a greater opportunity and ability to enhance their level of coercive control on victims, as well as acts of violence. It is important that those suffering from abuse, violence or the threat of violence in their home reach out and seek help.

“I would encourage those affected by domestic abuse, and who may have limited opportunities to get out alone, to seek help by using this scheme. Through ‘Ask for ANI’ at Boots pharmacies victims of domestic abuse can get help to speak to the police or access the 24hr domestic and sexual abuse helpline.  It is particularly important for victims to know that help is available and that they will be believed and supported particularly with the current restrictions in place.”

There will be an ongoing sign-up process open to all pharmacies. Pharmacies that sign up will be provided with promotional material to display in store to signal that they are taking part.

Contractors wishing to participate in the scheme may access training materials and posters at the given links (Ask for ANI materials / Ask for ANI & Safe Spaces materials) and are asked to complete an online form to confirm their decision to provide the scheme and to ensure that staff watch the training animation and read the guidance.

From Monday 11 January, people who are eligible, will be able to access the free seasonal flu vaccine at participating community pharmacies across Northern Ireland or at their GP practice.

The seasonal flu vaccination programme is being extended to include all individuals who will be aged 50-64years by 31 March 2021.

The expanded vaccination role for community pharmacies was welcomed by the Health Minister Robin Swann: “Community pharmacies were included in the seasonal flu programme for the first time this year, successfully providing vaccines for over 15,000 health and social care workers.  I am very pleased to see the extension of this service announced yesterday which will enable many more people to gain protection from seasonal flu.“

“I would encourage those people aged 50-64 years who have not yet received their flu vaccine to make sure they are vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves from the potentially serious consequences of concurrent infection with influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 virus and avoid pressure on the HSC.”

He added: “Community pharmacies will also be included in future plans for the Covid-19 vaccination programme, supporting the public health response to the pandemic.”

Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer said: “Throughout the Covid-19 crisis community pharmacy teams across Northern Ireland have risen to the challenge to maintain access to medicines and vital services for their patients and the public.  They are also now a valued part of the team effort to vaccinate people against seasonal flu and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.”

Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI said: “It is vitally important that members of the public in the 50-64 age bracket come forward to their local participating pharmacy for the flu vaccine to reduce pressures on the health service over the coming weeks. The risk of colliding influenza and COVID infections must be avoided and I would encourage members of the public to protect themselves, those around them and the health service by getting the flu vaccine from their pharmacy at the earliest opportunity.”

Joe Brogan, Head of Pharmacy and Medicines Management in the HSCB said: “If you are over 50, this year more than ever, get the flu jab not the flu. I’m delighted that local community pharmacies across Northern Ireland can provide easy access to the public for flu vaccination and would encourage everyone to consider this.”