Vaccinations

With the O'Briens private vaccination service you don’t need to wait for an appointment at your GP surgery. Our pharmacists are trained, qualified and authorised by PharmaDoctor to administer all vaccines. Whether you missed out on childhood vaccinations or you need a hepatitis B jab for your new job, O'Briens Pharmacy are here to help. Have a look below at all the vaccinations we offer. If you need vaccinations for your next trip abroad then have a look at our travel health page

 

Vaccinations Available

Flu

Visit one of our O'Briens Pharmacy branches or call them to book an appointment. Eligible customers may have a flu vaccination for free through our NHS funded service at any of our branches. If you are interested in arranging flu vaccinations for members of your organisation, please email our head office.

About the vaccine

  • When to get vaccinated: You can be vaccinated at any time during the flu season (September / March).
    The best time to get vaccinated is September / early November.
  • Course: One dose.
  • Boosters: The flu jab is developed to protect against current common strains of the flu every year. You can have a flu jab every year.
  • How it is given: The flu jab is given as an injection in the upper arm, and protects against the most common strains of the virus.
  • Side effects: The flu jab can cause side effects, such as mild flu symptoms, but it is an inactive vaccine so can not cause flu itself. The injection can cause redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site.

How can I get the flu jab?

Visit your O'Briens pharmacy – if you want to get the flu jab, please visit your O'Briens Pharmacy.

You might be able to get your jab for free – we also offer free flu jabs funded by the NHS in all of our pharmacies. Please check with your local O'Brien's Pharmacy to find out more. You may be eligible if any of the following apply to you:

  • You’re over 65
  • You’re pregnant
  • You have heart or lung problems, including asthma
  • You’re diabetic
  • You have a chronic kidney or liver condition
  • You have a long term neurological problem, including if you had a stroke
  • You have another illness
  • You have a BMI (body mass index) over 40
  • You are immunosuppressed or looking after someone who has immunosuppression

Where else can you get the flu jab? – you can also get the jab from one of the following places:

  • Your GP surgery
  • A local midwifery service (if you’re pregnant)

Why get the flu jab?

The flu jab helps prevent you getting the flu and having to experience symptoms or take time to recover – the flu jab reduces your risk of getting the flu. Although the flu jab does not prevent 100% of all flu cases, people who have been vaccinated and who catch a strain of the flu they are vaccinated against, tend to have less severe symptoms which usually improve within a shorter period of time.

Getting the flu can be dangerous for some people – although it’s a common viral infection, the flu can cause serious complications in children, the elderly, those with a weakened immune system and pregnant women. For these groups, the flu jab offers protection not only from the flu but helps to reduce the risk of more serious illness and the secondary complications of flu, like pneumonia.

What happens when you do get the flu? – the flu is a common viral infection which spreads by little droplets usually released by coughs and sneezes. It is particularly common during the winter months and causes unpleasant symptoms, like fever/chills, tiredness and muscle aches which can last for days. Although the symptoms tend to clear within a week in people who are otherwise healthy, it can cause serious complications in pregnant women, elderly patients, young children and people with an impaired immune system.

What happens if I get the flu jab?

You won’t get the flu itself, but you can get some of the symptoms – the flu jab is not a live vaccine, which means you cannot get the flu from the flu jab. However, the flu jab may cause flu-like symptoms as a side effect. The side effects of the flu jab tend to be mild and they usually pass within days. If you get an injection, the injection site may be red and sore for a few days after you have received your vaccine. Your nurse or pharmacist will also give more information about potential side effects.

Some people can have an allergic reaction, but this is rare – a small number of people can have an allergic reaction to the vaccine (anaphylaxis). The medical staff giving you your vaccine will be trained to respond to this situation in the unlikely event it happens to you. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine before you should avoid another vaccination. The vaccine we use is safe for those with egg allergy except if this is very severe, such as an anaphylactic reaction that needed intensive care – talk to your nurse or pharmacist for more information.

When will it start working? – it can take up to 14 days for your immunity to develop after getting the flu jab. This is why it’s always best to get vaccinated early in the season to minimise your chance of catching it before you develop immunity.

How often do you need to get the flu jab?

You need to get vaccinated every year in order to stay protected – the flu virus is constantly changing and a new vaccine is formulated every year to remain effective against the most common strands of the flu which are circulating that year.

When should I start thinking about getting the jab? – the best time to get the vaccine is before the beginning of the flu season, but you can also get it later in winter.

Should I get the jab if I’ve already had the flu this year? – yes. There is more than 1 strain of flu virus in circulation every year and by having the flu vaccination you can reduce your chance of getting other strains even if you’ve already gotten over one infection.

Which symptoms does the flu cause?

The flu can cause a range of symptoms – the symptoms can be mild or severe and they usually improve within a week.

Symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion
  • Stomach pain and digestive problems such as diarrhoea
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shivering
  • Cough
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

How long do symptoms normally last? – although the symptoms tend to improve significantly within seven days, you may find that you feel tired for a while after an episode of the flu. If you’re worried your symptoms are severe or not improving, seek medical advice.

Is it flu symptoms or a cold? – the flu is often confused with the common cold, which can cause very similar symptoms. When you have a cold, your symptoms tend to be milder and they usually come on gradually. For further information on identifying your symptoms, read our guide on how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu.

More information can be found at the NHS Website

Pneumococcal

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. It's also known as the pneumonia vaccine.
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis.
At their worst, they can cause permanent brain damage, or even kill.

About the vaccine

  • Course: There are two different pneumococcal vaccines. Both consist of one dose. Our pharmacist will let you know which vaccine is suitable for you.
  • Boosters: No boosters required.
  • How it is given: Injection in the upper arm.
  • Side effects: The vaccine can cause mild side effects, for example tiredness, a higher temperature and redness or swelling at the injection site.
  • Children: Suitable for children from the age of two.

Your nurse or pharmacist will recommend the most suitable vaccine for you based on your age, health and preference.

We offer the pneumococcal vaccination for patients over the age of two.

Why get vaccinated?

Pneumococcal infections are caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The infections can lead to illnesses such as:

  • pneumonia (lung infection)
  • ear infection
  • meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord)
  • septicaemia (a type of blood poisoning)
  • sinus infections

Severe infections cause brain damage, or even death.

Although pneumonia is more likely to severely affect patients under 2 and over 65 as well as those with long term health conditions, pneumonia can affect anyone.

The vaccine protects you against pneumococcal infections and the complications it can cause.

Who can get it on the NHS?

Anyone can get a pneumococcal infection, but not everyone is offered the pneumococcal vaccine for free on the NHS.

Those who are at high risk and get the pneumococcal vaccine on the NHS, are:

  • babies under 2 years old
  • adults over 65 years old
  • people with long-term health conditions, like chronic kidney or heart disease

Who can have the vaccine?

Not everyone can have the pneumococcal vaccine.You can’t have it if you:

  • have a vaccine allergy
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have a fever or temperature at the time of your appointment

How does it work?

The pneumococcal vaccine works by making your body produce antibodies that fight pneumococcal bacteria. Antibodies destroy organisms or bacteria carrying disease, and help fight off infections.
The NHS estimates that the pneumococcal vaccine is between 50-70% effective in preventing pneumococcal disease.

Which side effects can it cause?

It isn’t possible to catch a pneumococcal infection from the vaccine, because it doesn’t contain any live bacteria. It is a very safe vaccine, but like all vaccinations, it can cause some side effects.

Common side effects of the PCV vaccine include:

  • swelling, hardness or redness where the injection was given
  • slightly decreased appetite
  • somewhat higher temperature
  • trouble sleeping, and sleepiness

Serious side effects (which are rare) of the PCV vaccine include:

  • allergic skin rash
  • very high temperature, sometimes leading to convulsions (febrile seizures)

The PPV vaccine has some common side effects:

  • mild pain or hardness where the injection was made (1-3 days)
  • somewhat higher temperature

The only serious side effect of the PPV vaccine is an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions are very rare, and happen within a few minutes of the injection. Anyone who is given either vaccine is fully supervised in case this happens, so that it can be treated with adrenaline straight away.

How can you prevent pneumonia?

Any activity that causes damage to your lungs increases your risk of pneumonia. In order to prevent pneumonia, avoid smoking and inhaling second hand smoke. Drinking more alcohol than recommended can also weaken your lungs and make them more susceptible to infection.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, usually caused by a bacterial infection, but can also be caused by viruses or breathing in harmful substances. This infection can spread from the nose and throat, and through inhaling droplets after someone sneezes. The bacterial infection can occur as a complication of other viral infections too so avoiding catching viral infections in general may also help you avoid complications such as pneumonia. Wash your hands regularly, use tissues when you sneeze and dispose of any tissues without delay.

Terms & Conditions

If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use which govern O’Brien’s Pharmacy’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.

The term ‘O’Brien’s Pharmacy’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is Fleetwood Health & Wellbeing Centre, Dock Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire, England, FY7 6HP. Our company registration number is 10618140 in the UK. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website.

The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

• The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.

• This website uses cookies to monitor browsing preferences. If you do allow cookies to be used, the following personal information may be stored by us for use by third parties: IP address.

• Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.

• Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.

• This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.

• All trademarks reproduced in this website which are not the property of, or licensed to, the operator are acknowledged on the website.

• Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.

• From time to time this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).

• Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Privacy Policy

Our pharmacists and their staff are members of your local healthcare team. They aim to provide you with the highest quality of healthcare. To do this they need to keep records about you, your health and the care we have provided or plan to provide to you. We know that you value your privacy and the security of personal information held about you.

Information recorded

As part of providing a professional, safe and efficient service, there is certain information that we record. This includes details of drugs and appliances dispensed against NHS prescriptions as well as significant advice given, and referrals made to other health professionals and any other relevant information.

Information recorded may include:

 

Processing Information

We process your personal data, which includes information from your prescriptions and any other pharmacy and health care services we provide to you (including medicines use reviews, flu vaccinations, stop smoking services , home delivery service etc.) for the purposes of:

 

The data that we collect from you may be transferred to, and stored at, a destination outside the European Economic Area (EEA). It may also be processed by staff operating outside the EEA who work for us or for one of our suppliers. Such staff maybe engaged in, among other things, the fulfilment of your order, the processing of your payment details and the provision of support services. By submitting your personal data, you agree to this transfer, storing or processing.

We hold your information for as long as advised by the NHS.

We process your personal data in the performance of a task in the public interest for the provision of healthcare and treatment. A pharmacist is responsible for the confidentiality of your information.

Your Rights

You have the right to confidentiality under the General Data Protection Regulation and [the Data Protection Act 2018] and the common law duty of confidence.

We also comply with the NHS Code of Practice on Confidential Information and pharmacists have a requirement under their professional standards to keep records about you confidential, secure and accurate.

All of our staff contracts of employment contain a requirement to keep patient information confidential.

Our guiding principle is that we process your records in strict confidence.

Your right to view your health record

You have the right to ask for a copy of all pharmacy records about you (generally in paper or electronic form).

You will need to give adequate information in order for pharmacy staff to identify you (for example, full name, address and date of birth). You will be required to provide ID, for example a passport, full driving licence or credit/debit card before any information is released to you.

If you think any information we hold on you is inaccurate or incorrect, please let us know.

You may object to us holding your information.

If you have any complaints or need further information please contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Lisa Cottam
O’Briens Pharmacy
Fleetwood Health & Wellbeing Centre
Dock St
Fleetwood
FY7 6HP

T: 01253 770103
E: l.cottam@obrienspharmacy.com

If you feel your enquiry has not been handled correctly you may lodge a complaint with the

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane, Wilmslow,
Cheshire
SK9 5AF.

General Data Protection Regulation

Privacy notice for applicants and employees of the O’Brien’s Pharmacy Group

Your data is sensitive information and we want to ensure we are taking good care of it. Therefore please take the time below to read our data notice, which informs you about how we handle your data.

The purpose of this privacy notice is to inform you what we do with your data for example how it is collected, stored, used, updated, shared and destroyed, and your rights in relation to the personal data about you that we hold. O’Brien’s Pharmacy Group (OBPG) currently consists of Albert Wilde Ltd, O’Brien’s Pharmacies Ltd, Fleetwood Health Centre Ltd, O’Brien’s Chemists Ltd, Warburtons Chemists Ltd, Cleveleys Health Centre Pharmacy, Cleveleys Pharmacy, Bispham Pharmacy and Riverside Pharmacy. We are a small group of independent pharmacies who act as a data controller for your personal information collected and used with regards to your application and employment with OBPG.

As a data controller we are deciding what data we are collecting, for what purpose it is used for and how it is handled. As a data controller we are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

This notice will not form part of any contract of employment you have with any part of the O’Brien’s Pharmacy Group and it may be amended at any time. General Data Protection encompasses the handling of data and information about a living individual who can be directly identified from that data or coupled with any other information that is within our possession or likely to come into our possession.

We comply with our obligations under the GDPR by:

During the course of your employment and applications to the company we may hold a variance of information about you such as your name and address, bank details, date of birth, sex, sickness records, medical records, employment history, criminal convictions, driving license, and any other information such as disciplinary or complaints that arise during your employment.

If you are an applicant for a job role within our group, we will use this data to decide if you are a suitable candidate for the role that you have applied for. If you are one of our employees this data is used in order to make payments to you, produce your contracts of employment, and to ensure we are meeting legal standards such as the right to work and those of our regulatory body such as the GPhC who place a strong emphasis on patient care and safety. It may also be used for audit purposes or compliance with statutory obligations such as equal opportunity, performance and pay. We handle your data under a legal basis in order to comply with our legal obligations as an employer, for the purpose of our interests and your safety (such as CCTV), for the purpose of obligations under employment law and the defence of any claims within it, for your performance contract with our company. We may need to share your data with third parties in order to administer your contract of employment, for the requirements of regulatory bodies such as the GPhC or the NHS, in the prevention of crime or to third party advisors such as our insurance, health and safety or HR partners. This may also be in the completion of tasks such as the payment of wages or contributions to your pension. When we do this, we will only disclose your data that is necessary to fulfil the requirement of that service and we will ensure that any third party have data protection agreements in place to ensure that your data is kept secure and not for their own use such as marketing. We will not share your data to third parties unless you have requested us to in writing or we are required to do so by law e.g. in the prevention or investigation of a crime. We will not share your data for marketing or sell your data to any third party. Some of your personal data that we handle may be transferred to, and stored at, a destination outside the European Economic Area (‘EEA’) for example where one of our service providers operates outside the EEA. In these circumstances, your personal data would only be transferred on one of the following bases:

Where the transfer is subject to one or more of the appropriate safeguards for international transfers prescribed by applicable law;
A European Commission decision provides that the country or territory to which the transfer is made ensures an adequate level of protection; or
There exists another situation where the transfer is permitted under applicable law e.g. where we have your explicit consent.

Unsuccessful applicants for job roles will have their data held for a period of 12 months after the last date of any correspondence, after which it will be securely destroyed. If you are an employee of the group we will hold your data until there is no legal basis for retaining it. We may retain your personal data for up to 6 years after your employment ceased with the company. There are some aspects of your data that will be kept indefinitely as there is a legal requirement to do so.
There are some exceptions to your rights regarding your personal data but you have the following rights with respect to the data we hold

It is your obligation to ensure that we are informed if any of your personal data or information changes during your employment with us. Please inform your line manager and HR lead if your information changes. If we wish to use your data for a new purpose, we will inform you of this and update our privacy note.

If you feel there has been a breach of data with respect your own data or someone else’s it is imperative that you discuss this with your HR lead or your data protection offer as soon as possible.

Your Data protection officer is

Lisa Cottam
Main Office
O’Brien’s Pharmacy
Fleetwood Health and Wellbeing Centre
Dock Street
Fleetwood
FY7 6JZ

Mob: 07392196057
Tel: 01253770103

Your concerns will be handled with care and treated seriously as part of our obligations for data protection. If you wish to complain further as you believe we have not handled your complaint appropriately then you may contact

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Email: https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/email/

Tel: 0303 123 1113