EXCLUSIVE

The British Medical Association (BMA) has reaffirmed its view that a "significant increase" in vaccine uptake rates must be proven before it backs a pharmacy flu scheme.

Pharmacy London confirmed on Monday (April 4) that its city-wide flu scheme has been given the green light for a third year – regardless of whether a nationwide scheme is given the go-ahead. 

In response to the news, the BMA told C+D that the service should "only be recommissioned for next year if it can demonstrate there has been a significant increase in overall uptake over the last flu season".

"If this cannot be shown then we should reassess the way this process works in the future," it added.

Londonwide LMCs, which represents local medical committees across London, said its leaders were waiting to see the "detail of the scheme" before taking a position on how best to work with pharmacies in the capital. 

Addressing GPs' concerns

Pharmacy London chief executive Rekha Shah told C+D that GPs' concerns are "getting less every year". 

"I think they realise... pharmacies can help at a time of high demand for GP services. Some GPs are now [supporting] pharmacies being part and parcel of the service because of their convenience, especially for unregistered patients."

Pharmacy London also plans to "give an earlier steer to contractors", and will approach GP leaders in the capital to plan the service, Ms Shah added.

Uptake issues

Provisional figures published by Public Health England last month showed that vaccine uptake across England fell to 71% at the end of January, down from 72.5% the previous year. Rates also dropped in people younger than 65 in clinical risk groups, from 50% to 45%, and in pregnant women by 1.6%.
 

How did GPs view the flu service in your area?

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