This Podcast outlines a community pharmacy advanced service specification for childhood seasonal influenza vaccination in England, covering the period of October 2025 to March 2026. It details the background and aims of the service, emphasizing the reduction of NHS pressures and disease transmission. The specification also provides requirements for service provision, including pharmacy eligibility, staff training, facility standards, and vaccine ordering and administration protocols. Furthermore, it clarifies patient eligibility, data collection and reporting mandates, governance procedures, and payment arrangements for pharmacies participating in this vaccination program.
Use present tense please. Also refer Contractors to contact their LPC for more information
Community pharmacies are launching a new Children’s Flu Vac Advanced Service this October. This service is a one-season trial agreed upon following negotiations with NHS England. Its primary aim is to increase the uptake of the flu vaccine in children aged 2-3 years, who usually receive their vaccination from their general practice. This initiative aligns with NHS England’s vaccination strategy and the Government's 10-Year Plan for Health, marking a significant step towards community pharmacies supporting all NHS vaccination programs.Here are the key aspects of the service:• Eligibility: ◦ The service targets children aged 2 and 3 years old (but not less than 2 or 4 years or over on August 31, 2025). This includes clinically at-risk children in this age group, unless the vaccine is contraindicated. ◦ Future inclusion of older age groups is possible if announced and authorized by the Commissioner. ◦ Patients do not require an NHS number or general practice registration.• Service Commencement: ◦ Pharmacies that choose to provide the service can commence vaccinating eligible children from October 1, 2025. ◦ The service will run until March 31, 2026.• Vaccine Type and Supply: ◦ The Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) nasal spray is the primary vaccine used for most eligible children and is supplied to pharmacies from centrally procured stock. ◦ Pharmacies must register for the Federated Data Platform (FDP) to manage vaccine orders and submit stocktakes. ◦ LAIV is supplied free of charge and is not reimbursed. ◦ If LAIV is contraindicated or unsuitable (e.g., due to porcine gelatine content), an inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended. This alternative vaccine is not centrally supplied, and the pharmacy is reimbursed for its cost. ◦ Pharmacies must not stockpile vaccines and are expected to utilize doses within their shelf life, actively managing stock and reporting usage in FDP. High wastage rates (over 30%) or consistent failure to meet usage thresholds may lead to supply suspension.• Payment Arrangements: ◦ Pharmacy owners are paid £9.58 for each vaccine administered. This fee is funded from NHS vaccination budgets, separate from the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) global sum. ◦ Reimbursement for the cost of the inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine is provided where LAIV is unsuitable. An allowance at the applicable VAT rate is also paid. ◦ Claims for payment must be submitted via the NHSBSA’s Manage Your Service (MYS) platform. Claims should be submitted by the 5th of the month following the activity, and no later than 3 months from the claim period.• Registration and Requirements for Provision: ◦ To provide the service, the pharmacy contractor must notify NHS England by completing an electronic registration declaration through the NHSBSA MYS portal. ◦ To receive vaccine stock ahead of the October 1, 2025 start date, pharmacies must register on MYS by 23:59 on August 31, 2025.
