Winter well packs

Vitamin D voucher scheme

Included in the winter well pack is a vitamin D voucher. Please take your voucher to one of the pharmacies below. A pharmacist will have a conversation with you first, and then supply vitamin D tablets.

Participating pharmacies

Why take vitamin D?

• Vitamin D is important for building immunity against infections, and keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
• Take vitamin D supplements during the winter months when you are less likely to get it directly from sunlight.
• Some people are at higher risk of low vitamin D and should take supplements all year; for example, older adults, those with darker skin, limited sun exposure, or certain health conditions.
• Some people have medical conditions that mean they may not be able to safely take as much. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor.
• If you can take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people.
• Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years.
• Children aged 1 to 10 years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) a day.
• If your doctor has recommended you take a different amount of vitamin D, you should follow their advice. Check with your GP or pharmacist whether you are unable to take vitamin D supplement for any reason. If this is the case, vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods.
• Eat food rich in vitamin D including oily fish (salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel), red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified foods (some fat spreads and breakfast cereals).