NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) have, today (16th February 2021), issued a call for new applications from pharmacy contractors to become COVID-19 vaccination sites.

Read the NHSE&I letter seeking new expressions of interest

At the end of 2020, NHSE&I ran a designation process for pharmacy contractors to apply to become a pharmacy Local Vaccination Service (LVS) site and 192 such sites are now operating across England. They have now identified where there is a need for more provision of LVS sites and are therefore opening the designation process again to all pharmacy contractors who may be able to provide a service, where NHSE&I have identified there is still a need for the local population.

The terms are the same as the current Local Enhanced Service (LES) agreement, with contractors needing to be able to provide at least 1000 vaccines per week and open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, if this is required.

NHSE&I are also seeking expressions of interest from contractors who could provide up to 400 vaccines per week. These sites may be considered where a site offering 1000 vaccines per week is unlikely to be viable, or where an additional site would offer significant benefits for specific patient cohorts.

NHSE&I list of priority locations (this list will be updated on Friday 19th February if additional areas are identified)

Applications should be made using the online designation form by Sunday 28th February 2021.

Contractors can find a list of operational matters they need to consider before submitting an application to be an LVS on our COVID-19 vaccination page.

NHSE&I webinar for contractors

NHSE&I are holding a webinar for contractors tomorrow evening – 17th February 2021 – from 6.15pm – 7.15pm.

Register to attend the webinar

Further information

Read the NHSE&I letter seeking new expressions of interest

Read the NHSE&I Frequently Asked Questions document

Questions not answered by the above documents can be sent to england.pccovidvaccine@nhs.net.