Dear Colleague

Despite it being the start of Summer, many teams are already planning for this winter's flu season. Evidence from Australia has suggested that, following COVID-19, demand for Flu Vaccinations is higher then ever. Whilst a great success for public health, this does pose challenges to already stretched services – especially with the social distancing and infection control requirements of COVID likely to still be in place.
 
We know that PSNC are working with NHSE to clarify key elements of the Flu service and update the specification to reflect the additional burdens COVID will place on service provision. As a regional group, all the LPCs in the Midlands have considered the likely challenges this years’ service will create and fed them into PSNC. This includes (but is not limited to) key issues such as the amount and type of PPE required, understanding of the need for cleaning consultation rooms, the expectations for shielded patients, the challenges presented by written consent and integrating/streamlining IT systems.

We will continue to work on this and share areas for consideration with you as needed. We are aware that some companies are restarting provision of face-to-face (but socially distanced) vaccination training. Whilst PSNC have secured agreement that training due this year can be delayed pharmacists who are new to vaccination services or who have had a significant break from providing vaccination services may wish to explore this now, as there are likely to be fewer training sessions offered this year.
 
What we do know is that there is expected to be a local co-ordinated response to flu this year. Ensuring good coverage of those most at risk has never been more important, and at present we don’t know what the impact of COVID will be; the demand from the public, continued impact from COVID-related staff shortages and closed door policies from GPs and pharmacies alike will all potentially affect planning and delivery of vaccinations. NHS England locally are already discussing joint working between pharmacies and GPs on a PCN footprint to ensure ready supply of vaccines and vaccinators. This may mean we wil be asked to work a little differently to meet the needs of our local communities. There isn’t a firm understanding of what this will look like yet, but if you have any examples of good practice we’d love to hear from you  - email us at info@pharmacylincolnshire.org

In the meantime, you can prepare for any potential new ways of working by:
 

• Contacting your local practice managers to ask what plans they have made so far
• Talking to other pharmacies in your PCN, and your PCN Community Pharmacy Lead to check who will be providing flu vaccinations this year
• Considering how you might deliver off-site vaccinations (should these be suggested) by:
  • Reviewing your indemnity arrangements to see if there are any additional requirements for vaccinating off-site (and updating your SOP if needed)
  • Reviewing your arrangements for maintaining the cold-chain off-site
  • Considering  off-site access to PharmOutcomes (e.g. a tablet or laptop with internet access)