Joint statement on this year’s NHS Seasonal Flu Vaccination Programme

The Local Medical Committees (LMCs) and Local Pharmaceutical Committees (LPCs) across Surrey and Sussex are to send a joint letter to all GPs and Community Pharmacists to set out important elements for the 2020/21 seasonal flu campaign. The letter will highlight the joint incentives available to both for working together, promotion of immunisation services, local notification arrangements and immunisation in residential and care homes

The letter makes clear that promotion of immunisation services is encouraged but must not be done in ways that undermine the other’s professionalism in the eyes of each other and patients, urges pharmacists to pass information about vaccinations to the patient’s practice using electronic means and encourages local discussion when planning vaccinations to residential care / nursing home residents and staff.

The letter also makes it clear that the LMC and LPCs are committed to helping resolve any difficulties that may arise throughout the season.  Colleagues will be asked to contact their own representative committees in the event of any concerns.

A copy of the joint letter can be found here.

More information

• 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:
  • 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
  • to provide more opportunities and improve convenience for eligible patients to access flu vaccinations.

• On 25 September the LMC published it’s guidance to seasonal flu planning for GP Practices. Go to seasonal flu planning on the LMC website

• The RCGP and the RPS has issued a joined statement emphasising how important professional collaboration locally between GPs and community pharmacy is to deliver the flu vaccination programme in the most effective way for patients.