60 community pharmacies across Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and South Cumbria are now offering the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.
The move is part of a national rollout aimed at making the jab more accessible following its introduction through GP practices last year.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director for commissioning at NHS England North West, said: “Offering the RSV vaccine in pharmacies is another important step in making healthcare easier to access for the people who need it the most.
“Community pharmacies offer trusted local health advice, guidance and treatment, and this expansion will help protect more people from serious illness.”
The vaccine is being offered to adults aged 75 to 79, as well as pregnant women to help protect their babies from RSV.
The NHS is encouraging eligible individuals to speak with their local pharmacy about getting vaccinated.
More than 240,000 RSV vaccine doses have already been administered across the region.
Dr Charles-Ozuzu said the rollout supports the goals set out in the NHS’s new 10-year health plan.
She said: “It further reinforces the commitment in the recently published 10-year health plan to bring care closer to home and to prevent illness before it starts.”
RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds.
While it typically resolves on its own, it can lead to severe conditions such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis in babies and older adults.
Those with underlying lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), are especially at risk.
Bruce Prentice, regional pharmacy professional advisor for NHS England North West, said: “Community pharmacists are perfectly placed to provide convenient, expert care on the high street.
“More and more people trust us not only for prescriptions, but also for advice, treatment, and vital preventive services.
“With a private consultation room and walk-in availability, we’re ready to help when our patients need us, often on the same day.”
Mr Prentice said the new service means patients can get protected without booking ahead or waiting for a GP appointment.
For more information about the RSV vaccine, go online.