#getreadyforflu

Community pharmacy has been providing flu vaccinations under a nationally commissioned service since September 2015.

Each year from September through to March the NHS runs a seasonal flu vaccination campaign aiming to vaccinate all patients who are at risk of developing more serious complications from the virus. The accessibility of pharmacies, their extended opening hours and the option to walk in without an appointment have proved popular with patients seeking vaccinations.

The Community Pharmacy Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Advanced Service (Flu Vaccination Service) supports NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) in providing an effective vaccination programme and it aims:

1. to sustain and maximise uptake of flu vaccine in at risk groups by continuing to build the capacity of community pharmacies as an alternative to general practice; and
2. to provide more opportunities and improve convenience for eligible patients to access flu vaccinations.

50-64 year old flu vaccinations commenced on 1st December

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced on 20th November 2020 that community pharmacy contractors and general practices would be able to vaccinate 50* to 64 year olds against flu from Tuesday 1st December 2020.

Pharmacy Influenza Vaccination PGD V07.00: Extension of eligible cohorts – 30 November 2020

PHE information for patients on the extended programme

* That includes people who turn 50 by 31st March 2021.

Community pharmacy access to the Government flu vaccine stock

for the 2020/21 flu season, DHSC secured an additional supply of flu vaccines from four manufacturers. Initially, restrictions were placed on the use of this vaccine stock, but DHSC confirmed that from 15th January 2021, community pharmacies could offer a flu vaccination using DHSC centrally procured vaccine to private patients or those within occupational health schemes (Group C patients in the DHSC guidance on use of centrally procured vaccines). This decision follows PSNC’s request to DHSC for such a change in the guidance.

Read more about how you can access the DHSC flu vaccine stock

Click on a link below for more information.

Service specification for the flu vaccination Advanced Service 2020/21
The service specification describes the requirements for provision of the service and it is essential reading for all pharmacists providing the service.

National Patient Group Direction 2020/21 
The national Patient Group Direction (PGD) provides the legal mechanism for administration of flu vaccine under the service; it should not be used for any other purpose. Enquiries regarding the use of this PGD should be directed to ENGLAND.communitypharmacy@nhs.net

Amendments to the Pharmaceutical Services (Advanced and Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2013
The Secretary of State Directions provide the legal basis for the provision of the service.

PSNC Briefing: Guidance on the 2020/21 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Advanced Service
This PSNC Briefing provides guidance for community pharmacy contractors and their teams on the 2020/21 NHS Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Advanced Service in England.

PSNC’s Digital Guide to the 2020/21 Flu Vaccination Service

Additional resources for pharmacy teams

Guidance on use of Personal Protective Equipment

Training requirements and resources

Record keeping and data requirements

Communicating with GP practices

Vaccinating outside the consultation room & off-site

Promoting the service to patients

Funding, claiming payment and post-payment verification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Information and resources for LPCs

Flu Vaccination Service statistics