Brutons Pharmacy Oakeswell

17/08/2026

💙 Flu & COVID‑19 vaccine bookings are open!

Pharmacies across England are now adding their autumn/winter vaccination appointments to the NHS system - so you’ll be able to book from 17 August.

Here’s what you need to know:

💉Flu vaccines for pregnant women start from 1 September
🦠💉Flu & COVID‑19 boosters for adults (65+, clinical risk groups, carers, care homes) start from 1 October
📅All appointments will appear on the National Booking Service once pharmacies finish loading their slots

It’s a great time to get ready for the season and protect yourself and your loved ones💙

13/08/2026

With temperatures peaking today, make sure you take sensible precautions to stay safe:

- keep hydrated
- avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)
- wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes
- check in on older or vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours

12/08/2026

👶 Supporting You and Your Family – Every Step of the Way 💙

From your baby’s first feeds to starting childcare, every stage of parenthood comes with new questions.

The new Best Start for Life website brings together trusted NHS and government advice on:
👶 Pregnancy and newborn care
🥣 Weaning and nutrition
💉 Childhood vaccinations
🧸 Child development
🏡 Childcare and early years support
❤️ Parenting advice and family wellbeing

🌐 Find out more at: www.beststartinlife.gov.uk

And remember, your local community pharmacy is here to help too. Our friendly pharmacy team can offer advice on common childhood illnesses, medicines, healthy living, minor ailments, and signpost you to the right NHS services when you need extra support.

📍 Pop in and speak to your local community pharmacy — we’re here to support your family’s health from day one.

11/08/2026

🌞🌑 SOLAR ECLIPSE 2026 – PROTECT YOUR EYES! 👀🕶️

The solar eclipse is happening tomorrow, Wednesday 12 August, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to see something pretty spectacular! 🌞✨

But as your local pharmacy, we want to remind you that looking directly at the Sun can cause serious and permanent damage to your eyes — even during an eclipse. 👁️⚠️

💊 OUR PHARMACY TOP TIPS:

🕶️ Use proper eclipse glasses or viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.

❌ Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing the eclipse.

🚫 Never look directly at the Sun through a camera, binoculars or telescope unless you have the correct specialist solar filter.

🌥️ Don’t be fooled by cloudy weather — harmful rays can still reach your eyes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Keep children safe too — make sure they understand never to look directly at the Sun and supervise them when viewing the eclipse.

If you experience eye pain, blurred vision, blind spots or changes to your vision after looking at the Sun, seek medical advice promptly 👀❤️

🌑 Enjoy the eclipse — but protect your eyes!

For more information and UKHSA advice, read the full guidance below 👇

🌞👀

🌑

On Wednesday 12 August 2026, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK. It's a rare and exciting event that many people will be keen to watch. But looking directly at the Sun without the right protection can cause permanent damage to your

11/08/2026

💚 Free 24/7 Mental Health Support for Young People in the Black Country 💚

If you’re aged 11–25 and live in the Black Country, you can access the Wysa mental health and wellbeing app completely free thanks to Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Whether you’re feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, Wysa provides a safe, private space to support your mental wellbeing – anytime, day or night.

✨ Why use Wysa?
✅ Free and unlimited access
✅ Anonymous and confidential
✅ Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
✅ Support whenever you need it – especially outside school or college hours

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents and carers can find out more through their local Black Country CAMHS team.

For further information, email [email protected].

💚 Remember: it’s okay to ask for support. You don’t have to face things alone.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/wysa-mental-wellbeing-ai/id1166585565

10/08/2026

💙 1 in 9 adults has high blood pressure - and most don’t know it
High blood pressure has no symptoms but causes over half of heart attacks and strokes.

The easiest way to protect your health is to get checked early.
🩺 Get your FREE blood pressure check at your local community pharmacy

If you’re 40 or over, have no previous diagnosis of hypertension and haven’t had a BP check in the past 6 months, your NHS pharmacy can check your blood pressure quickly, safely and without needing a GP appointment.

✔ No need to book with your GP
✔ No long waits
✔ Walk in or pop in while you’re out
✔ Private consultation room
✔ Results explained by a trained pharmacist
⏱ Fast, simple, convenient
Your check takes 10–15 minutes.

You may also be offered a home monitor to track your readings over a few days.

07/08/2026

Skip the GP queue and speak to your pharmacist today about the Minor Ailments Scheme - available across the Black Country! 💬💊

We can support you with:
🔹 Coughs, colds, sore throats & congestion
🔹 Fevers, aches & pains
🔹 Rashes, bites, stings & allergies
🔹 Infant illnesses & seasonal conditions

No appointment needed. Just walk in and get expert advice from your trusted pharmacy team. 🏥✨

📍 Available at participating pharmacies across the Black Country.

📞 For serious or life-threatening symptoms, always call 999.

Let’s make healthcare more accessible - one conversation at a time.

06/08/2026

💙 Not sure what your NHS exemption certificate covers?

Before you claim free NHS prescriptions or dental treatment, it’s important to check that your exemption certificate is valid and what you’re entitled to.

The NHS exemption checker lets you quickly find out if your certificate:
✅ Is still valid
✅ Covers free NHS prescriptions
✅ Covers free or reduced-cost NHS dental treatment

It only takes a few minutes and can help you avoid unexpected penalty charges for incorrect claims.

Check your entitlement today:
👉 https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-you-have-nhs-exemption

05/08/2026

🎓 Starting university or residential college this autumn? Protect yourself against MenB 💉

Meningococcal B (MenB) is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis. Students living in shared accommodation are at increased risk, so the NHS is offering a free MenB vaccine to eligible young people.

You may be eligible if you:
✅ Were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, or
✅ Are starting university for the first time in Autumn 2026, were born on or after 21 July 2001, and are under 25, or
✅ Are starting further education for the first time in Autumn 2026, were born on or after 21 July 2001, will be living in eligible residential accommodation, and are under 25.

Don’t leave it until Freshers’ Week – get protected before you start your new chapter.

📍 Visit your local community pharmacy to check your eligibility and receive your free NHS MenB vaccination.

Help protect yourself and those around you 💙

04/08/2026

☀️ As temperatures increase during the summer, so do your chances of getting an insect bite 🦟

Whether it’s an itchy bite, a sting that’s getting worse, or signs of infection, pharmacists can offer fast, expert advice without needing a GP appointment.

They can also support you with:
💚 UTI symptoms
💚 Sore throat
💚 Sinusitis
💚 Earache
💚 Impetigo
💚 Shingles
💚 Infected insect bites

Most pharmacies also have private consultation rooms, so you can get help comfortably and confidentially.

Stay safe in the sunshine - and remember to think Pharmacy First this summer 🌼💊