Flu vaccinations now available at pharmacies without prescription

Corfu Pharmacists' Association has announced that flu vaccines are now available at pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor.

Members of the public can go to pharmacies with their AMKA number and stating which of the groups below** they belong to, which the pharmacist will then register online before administering the vaccination.

The flu vaccination is free.

**
1. Those aged 60 and over.

2. Adults who declare that they belong to one or more of the following categories of vulnerable groups or chronic diseases:

- Chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Chronic heart diseases
- Immunosuppression (hereditary or acquired)
- Organ or bone marrow transplants
- Sickle cell anaemia (and other haemoglobinopathies)
- Diabetes or other chronic metabolic diseases
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver diseases
- Neurological - neuromuscular diseases
- Down's syndrome
- Pregnant women regardless of gestation age, puerperants and those breastfeeding
- Morbid obesity (Body mass index >40Kg/m2)
- Those in close contact with children younger than 6 months or who care for or live with people with underlying health conditions, which increases the risk of flu complications
- Closed groups such as live-in personnel or students (schools, military and police schools, special schools etc.), recruits, care homes for the elderly or those with chronic diseases, prisons etc.
- Those working in healthcare service facilities  and accommodation centres for refugees and migrants
- Homeless
- Those who come in regular contact with birds or pigs, which are considered high-risk groups