Working Together to Support Turkish Women to Stay Well this Winter

As part of the Winter Wellness Campaign, in partnership with the North Central London Integrated Care Board, Sewn Together, and the Turkish Cypriot Women's project, we hosted our first workshop with a Turkish-speaking pharmacist from Parade Pharmacy.  

The session provided practical information on the differences between flu and the common cold, flu vaccinations and common misconceptions, routine health checks, and services available to support people during the winter months. 

33 women attended the workshop. There was a lively discussion with participants sharing concerns based on their own or their families’ experiences of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, and fears that the flu jab might cause similar effects. In response, the pharmacist explained that the flu vaccine has been safely used for many years, unlike the newer COVID-19 vaccines. Some attendees also shared that they or their loved ones had felt unwell after receiving the flu vaccine in the past, which had made them hesitant to be vaccinated again. 

In response to the session, three women chose to receive the flu vaccine there and then, and others shared that they would book vaccination appointments with their GP following the workshop.