An enterprising pharmacy in Medway is dispelling Covid-19 vaccination myths and encouraging younger people to have the vaccine through its own TikTok channel.
Mangal’s Vaccination Centre at Bryant Road Pharmacy in Strood has encouraged its staff to create entertaining and informative videos during quiet periods. The videos cover important topics, such as needle phobia, myths around vaccination and fertility, the importance of having your vaccine, as well as helping to make the centre a more welcoming environment for those who may be nervous about having their vaccine.
The stars of the videos, Lily and Daisy, both 17, work part-time at the pharmacy’s vaccination centre alongside studying for their A levels. Their imagination, creativity and desire to attract more young people to the clinic has made their short films a real hit, with one in particular being viewed more than 240,000 times.
The pharmacy opened for vaccinations in October 2021 and provides a mix of bookable and walk-in appointments for anyone aged 12 and over. Bookings can be made at nhs.uk/covidvaccine with details of its walk-in clinics available on this Facebook page or via the NHS site.
Amay Mangal, owner of Bryant Road Pharmacy, said: “The girls’ TikToks have really helped to promote the vaccine programme in our local area, especially to younger people. We regularly get people coming in for their vaccinations who say they’ve seen the videos and have really enjoyed them. We wanted to try something different to reach younger people in our area and the videos have been a real hit.”
Lily and Daisy, Bryant Road Pharmacy’s TikTok creators, said: “We wanted to encourage those who haven’t received the vaccine yet to do so by educating (especially the younger generation) through social media. We knew that no way was better than TikTok, which kept information on trend whilst educating and entertaining.”
Paula Wilkins, Chief Nurse at NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It’s great to see vaccinations sites using their initiative and thinking of new ways to encourage people to be vaccinated. Bryant Road Pharmacy is a great example of this.
“Even though restrictions are being reduced it’s still very important everyone who is eligible has their first, second and booster doses. Covid-19 can still cause serious illness in people of all ages. Also, if you are planning on going on holiday this year, it’s worth remembering that many countries now require proof of vaccination before you can enter.”
More details on the vaccination programme in Kent and Medway, including where you can find bookable and walk-in centres can be found at www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/covid19vaccine