Preventing illness and keeping people well sits at the heart of the NHS long-term plan, and vaccination is one of the most important ways to achieve it. Community pharmacy, one of the biggest contributors to national vaccination programmes, plays a vital role in making prevention accessible on the high street.
So, when we first heard whispers that pharmacies would soon be able to choose – for the very first time – the point of care system they wanted to use for NHS vaccinations, we didn’t need to think twice. It was a clear opportunity to support the NHS and provide pharmacy teams with a system that makes life easier during their busiest months of the year.
Fast-forward 12 months, and here we are: switching on our first NHS Assured vaccination platform within Pharmacy Services, just in time for the autumn/winter flu and COVID-19 programme.
Our new flu and COVID-19 digital workflow guides pharmacy teams through every vaccination – whether in-pharmacy or in alternative settings such as care homes.
Key features include:
Every detail has been designed by listening to pharmacy teams: what they need, how they like to work, and how we can simplify processes without losing sight of what matters. Most importantly, this platform ensures vaccination services are fully recognised, easily recorded, and properly rewarded.
This launch also aligns with the NHS long-term plan and the wider national focus on prevention. Preventative healthcare is taking centre stage, with vaccination recognised as a key part of that picture. Community pharmacy is uniquely placed to deliver — on the high street, accessible without appointment, and trusted by patients. With our new NHS Assured vaccination platform, we’re not just helping pharmacy teams work more efficiently — we’re supporting the wider shift towards prevention by making it easier for them to deliver these vital services at scale.
This launch marks the culmination of over a year’s effort, collaboration, and commitment — and it’s just the beginning.
For pharmacy teams, it means faster workflows, less time on admin, and more time with patients. For the NHS, it means vital programmes delivered with greater ease and accuracy. And for patients, it means more accessible care when they need it most.
For me personally, it’s been inspiring to work alongside so many talented colleagues across Cegedim Rx — from our services and clinical teams to the wider business. Everyone has played a part in bringing this platform to life. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and even prouder that it will help pharmacies deliver essential preventative care to their communities this winter and beyond.