UK pharmacies have reported having to deal with angry and confused patients after the NHS booking system allowed non-eligible patients to book Covid jabs.
According to Community Pharmacy England (CPE), which represents more than 10,000 chemists, between a third and half of patients who booked via the national booking system are not actually eligible for the vaccination.
CPE director of NHS services Alastair Buxton told the BBC that many patients had arrived at their pharmacy having booked the Covid-19 jab, only to be told they could only get the flu jab.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said the situation has been “deeply frustrating” for both patients and pharmacists.
"That obviously takes a lot of explaining to patients. It causes upset, concern and maybe anger for some patients,” Mr Buxton said.
"We've certainly had examples of some patients becoming abusive with pharmacy team members."
Source: The Independent, 7 October 2025
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment