Community pharmacies in England provided over half a million flu vaccinations to patients under the national NHS flu vaccination service in 2015/16, according to a new report.

Published by the NHS Business Services Authority, the Advance Flu Report 2015/16 revealed that a total of 7,195 pharmacies in England took part in the scheme, representing over 60 per cent of all community pharmacies in the country.

A total of 595,467 flu vaccinations were delivered during the last flu season with the average participating pharmacy providing 83 jabs. However, two pharmacies greatly exceeded this average by completing over 1,000 vaccinations each, including one that provided an incredible 1,600 jabs.