This is the fifth year that NHS England and NHS Improvement has commissioned a national community pharmacy Flu Vaccination Advanced Service, meaning all pharmacies in England can offer an NHS vaccine to eligible patients aged 18 or over, subject to meeting certain requirements. Before the launch of the nationally commissioned service, community pharmacies had been offering flu vaccinations to patients, both NHS funded and privately, for a number of years.

This briefing sets out the evidence we have for community pharmacy flu vaccination services, showing that they can effectively augment the vaccination service provided by GP practices. Pharmacies and LPCs may wish to use some of the information and statistics to help promote the national Flu Vaccination Service to patients and local stakeholders.

It may also be useful to LPCs who are experiencing negativity from local doctors or Local Medical Committees (LMCs) about the recommissioning of the Flu Vaccination Service.

PSNC Briefing 036/19: Flu vaccination: The benefits of a community pharmacy service

The document can be used in addition to PSNC Briefing 037/19: Flu vaccination: Responsive lines for LPCs.

If you have any queries on this PSNC Briefing or you require more information, please contact the PSNC Services Team.

To browse other PSNC briefings on services and commissioning click here.