Flu

Northern Ireland has become the only country in the UK to extend its NHS flu vaccination programme to the 50-64 age group amid increasing pressure on hospitals.

Stephen Kinnock has visited a community pharmacy for the “first” time since his appointment as pharmacy minister in July to “better understand the challenges” facing the sector.

While some multiples have kept costs cut, all but one of the biggest pharmacy chains have upped the price of private winter flu jabs for 2024…  

Pharmacy technicians with “appropriate” training can supply and administer flu vaccinations when the season starts on September 1, according to new a PGD for the NHS programme.

NHS England (NHSE) has revealed the autumn adult flu vaccination programme start date, while instructing pharmacies to secure alternatives to one unavailable vaccine.  

Confirmation of the unchanging fees comes as NHS England (NHSE) has asked pharmacies to prepare for the autumn flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes to start in October, or September for pregnant women.  

Pharmacies will only be able to offer the flu vaccine to some patients from September 1, the government has announced.  

Community pharmacists can now supply two antiviral treatments at NHS expense to help treat and prevent influenza in “at-risk” patients.

Four industry insiders explain why they are providing NHS COVID-19 vaccines this season – despite a challenging backdrop of funding pressures and capacity constraints

The government has confirmed that it has “no plans” to expand eligibility for the NHS flu vaccination programme despite urging uptake amid an increase in flu-related deaths.