ACTION REQUIRED: Updated information regarding flu vaccine ordering for the 2018-19 influenza season

Written by admin on Friday 30th March 2018

** ORDERS NEED TO BE PLACED BY 12th APRIL 2018 ** NHS England have now issued guidance to all community pharmacies and general practices giving final advice on ordering flu vaccine for the 2018/19 season.

note: date extended from 29th March to 12th April 2018


Update 29th March 2018

Following the NHS England letter to practices and CCGs on 5th February (linked below), all contractors are being reminded of the deadline for ordering flu vaccines. Please note that the deadline for ordering aTIV has been extended to 12 April 2018.

The attached Q&A will answer questions you may have about this process.

NHS England Flu Q&A - aTIV staged delivery

PSNC has now also published a briefing for contractors which contains more detail and clearer information on the plans for vaccine supply than the NHS England FAQ shown above. Please read and share with your team in preparation for the coming flu season.

PSNC Briefing 018/18: Flu Vaccination Service 2018/19 - important update for contractors

Update 5th February 2018

The guidance, in a letter from NHS England’s National Medical Director and Director of Primary Care, and Public Health England’s Medical Director asks GPs and community pharmacy contractors to ensure their influenza vaccine orders for the 2018/19 season use the most effective vaccines for the population.

The letter says the clinical evidence is clear that for the 2018/19 winter season, GP practices and pharmacy contractors should offer:

  • The adjuvanted trivalent vaccine (aTIV) for all 65s and over; and
  • The quadrivalent vaccine (QIV) for people in the 18 to under 65s at-risk group.

The letter also states that:

  • GPs and pharmacy contractors should review all orders (provisional and firm) for the 2018/19 season and ensure these are in line with the evidence-based clinical view;
  • Vaccine suppliers have confirmed that there will be enough adjuvanted trivalent vaccine and quadrivalent influenza vaccine to meet demand;
  • Orders for these vaccines will need to be placed by 29th March 2018;
  • There is no change to the way in which contractors will be reimbursed for vaccines administered – the system will be the same as for the current 2017/18 service; and
  • If pharmacy contractors encounter any difficulties from a manufacturer placing or amending an order, they should advise their local NHS England team.

The letter also contains the answers to a number of frequently asked questions, including the changing or switching of vaccine orders.

Published 1st February 2018

Recommendation to hold off confirming orders until definitive guidance is published on 5th February 2018.

Interim letter explaining current NHS England position - further update after 5th February

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