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Pharmacy chain Superdrug has introduced what it asserts to be the most affordable private flu vaccinations offered on the UK high street. The vaccinations will be priced at £8.79 for 17.2 million members of its Ghada , and £16.99 for non-members. The 2023-24 vaccination service is set to become available across 150 of its stores starting from early September. Superdrug has taken this step in response to a change in NHS England's inclusion criteria, which has rendered the 12 million individuals aged 50-65 ineligible for the NHS flu vaccination service, the company said. The company is anticipating heightened demand for private flu vaccinations due to the postponed commencement of the NHS service and alterations in eligibility for free flu jabs. "Our waiting list for private flu vaccination services has already exceeded last year's figures, indicating a heightened demand this year," said Ghada Beal, Superdrug's Healthcare Director. "Providing this service at a more accessible price-point is significant, given the eligibility changes that will impact millions. Our private flu vaccination services provide a convenient means for individuals to safeguard themselves against flu and its potential complications." In May, the government's annual flu vaccination programme letter indicated that individuals aged 50 to 64 won't receive free flu vaccinations in the 2023/24 season. Moreover, the NHS plans to delay flu vaccine distribution to October, with the goal of enhancing protection for those aged 65 and older and other eligible groups during the winter months.

As part of efforts to streamline spending and enhance resource allocation within the healthcare system, the NHS has chosen to cease providing the free vaccinations for all, which were initially introduced in 2020. Approximately 12 million British citizens will not have access to free flu vaccinations and Covid-19 boosters during the upcoming winter, according to NHS. Furthermore, the NHS plans to defer flu vaccine distribution to October, aiming to heighten protection for those aged 65 and older and other eligible groups in the high-risk winter months. However, this has stirred panic among pharmacies, given their advanced planning based on the initial start date of September 1 for vaccinations. On Tuesday (Aug. 8), the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) released NHS guidelines indicating that Covid-19 booster shots, starting from autumn, will not be provided to individuals aged 50 to 64 who are in otherwise good health. Similar guidance had already been released for flu, rendering 12 million middle-aged Britons ineligible for free jabs, JCVI said. Prior to the pandemic, influenza vaccinations were available to healthy adults aged over 65, alongside children and younger adults with medical conditions. Amidst the pandemic, the distribution of flu vaccinations was expanded to include individuals aged 50 to 64, in alignment with the criteria for Covid-19 boosters.

As flu cases surge rapidly, NHS England is urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated by visiting a pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine. Latest NHS data shows flu cases in hospitals have quadrupled in just one month, with over 5,000 patients hospitalised with the virus at the end of last week, up from 1,190 on November 29. During the week ending December 29, there were an average of 4,469 flu patients in hospitals each day, nearly 3.5 times higher than the same week last year, including 211 in critical care daily. On Christmas Day, there were 4,102 flu patients in hospitals, and the number surged by nearly a quarter to 5,074 by Sunday, December 29. In addition to the flu, hospitals are facing ongoing pressure from Covid, RSV, and norovirus.

Well Pharmacy has announced that the bookings for the flu vaccine later this year are now open. This is earlier than usual and gives people the best chance to prepare for flu season, knowing that their vaccine can be done as soon as possible when the season starts. Appointments for the flu jab can be booked for a date later this year. The price for the private service is £17.99, but jabs for people eligible on the NHS will be free. Well Pharmacy stresses that it is important that people remain flu savvy and protect themselves and others. Free NHS flu jabs will be available to those over 65 in England and Wales currently, and to people eligible in a clinical risk group.

Well Pharmacy has introduced a digital e-voucher platform for its corporate flu vaccination scheme. This platform simplifies the process of distributing flu vouchers to colleagues via email, employing individual flu voucher codes for each recipient, the company said in a statement. "Flu can disrupt business operations, especially during the bustling pre-Christmas period," said George Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy. "Opting for staff flu jabs is a cost-effective means of safeguarding your business, employees, and their families. Our goal is to ensure a seamless setup, effortless administration, and convenient access to flu jabs for your colleagues, fitting into their schedules smoothly." According to the statement, Well Pharmacy's digital e-voucher platform offers effortless accessibility and various benefits, including swift email sharing, transparent upfront pricing and invoicing, and convenient tracking of voucher usage. Businesses can also track the utilisation and remaining availability of vouchers. "Just determine the desired number of vouchers and complete the order form," Sandhu added. "We'll provide a pre-filled agreement for your signature and return, along with an invoice. After setup, you'll receive a voucher code to distribute among your staff, along with promotional posters. They can access our website to obtain the necessary code for scheduling their vaccinations."

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has urged pharmacists working in Covid-19 vaccination role to report any concerns about the needles and syringes supplied with the Moderna Spikevax Bivalent vaccine. The association has heard reports of bending when vaccinators pierce the top of the vial containing the Covid-19 vaccine doses, needles falling out during manipulation and appearing to be bent even before removal from the packaging. PDA has advised its members who are working in a Covid-19 vaccination role "to report any concerns via the Yellow Card medical device reporting system, and to keep up to date with NHS clinical updates for ongoing information and guidance." Current advice from the NHS includes sharing of video and poster resources (available on FutureNHS) which have been produced by the supplier to support the introduction of the new administration needles and syringes for Spikevax Bivalent. This is following a switch from BD Flu+ 23G x 25mm 1ml syringe combined needle and syringe (CNS) to the Owen Mumford Unifine Safety Retractable Needle 25G x 25mm & 1ml Syringe.

Rowlands Pharmacy has joined hands with healthcare software company HasHealth for an enhanced digital proposition to facilitate seamless delivery of a raft of clinical services including flu and travel vaccinations. The new system is now available across 400 Rowlands pharmacies across the UK. The partnership comes as Rowlands Pharmacy strives to provide patients with a seamless booking experience whilst minimising time-consuming administration for pharmacy staff, with its waiting list, medical pre-screen questionnaires and resource management capabilities, the company said in a statement. HasHealth offers a virtual healthcare software solution that allows community pharmacies to schedule, manage, and communicate with patients easily online. It combines its cutting-edge video technology with booking and management software, which can be adapted to any clinical service. Nigel Swift, managing director at Rowlands Pharmacy, commented: "We pride ourselves on listening to our staff, based on feedback we knew we could do better with our digital proposition for clinical services and flu vaccinations in particular.

NPA Insurance, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), has updated its professional indemnity policy for locum pharmacists to better support their expanding roles in healthcare. The enhanced policy now includes private and NHS prescribing cover for weight loss and other areas of competence, which is available for locums working in pharmacy, general practice and hospital settings. Policyholders will benefit from an extended range of cover, which includes, as standard, the delivery of the NHS Pharmacy First service, the expanded pharmacy contraception service, and the re-launched hypertension case-finding service. Moreover, NPA Insurance has removed charges for vaccine administration, including COVID-19, flu, and travel. Locum pharmacists will also have access to NPA Insurance's award-winning claims team as part of the new policy.