The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has published rebuttals for contractors to use against “vocal” GPs opposed to the national flu service.

The negotiating body said it has heard from a “number of LPCs” that have experienced “negativity” from local GPs regarding the national flu vaccination service, announced in the 2015-16 pharmacy funding settlement.

In its briefing document, published last Friday (August 7), PSNC addresses GP concerns with the perceived lack of warning about the new service and the risk that it could lead to vaccination shortages. 

The document was not designed to “encourage confrontation”, but should be used to “correct any factual inaccuracies and try to persuade both [GPs] and patients of the benefits” of the service, ​said PSNC director of NHS services Alastair Buxton.

Mr Buxton said the negative reaction from some GPs is “sad”, but “not unexpected”.

“GP support is not necessary for the service to succeed. However, we would encourage pharmacists and LPCs to try to engage constructively where GPs are raising concerns,” he said.

If GPs argue that the national service will alter their own vaccination plans, pharmacists should point out that only two of NHS England’s area teams did not commission a local pharmacy flu service last year, PSNC said. “Although this is a new advanced service, in reality it is not a huge change in commissioning activity,” it said in the briefing document.

"Low" risk of double vaccinations

The perceived risk of patients receiving two vaccinations because of record-keeping issues is also “low”, and there is “no evidence” that pharmacies will “cherrypick” the easiest patients, PSNC stressed.

“Pharmacies have more regular contact with many vulnerable people and their carers than any other healthcare professionals, so it is likely [they] will reach patients who would not otherwise be vaccinated,” it said.

Contractors and their teams are “keen” to get themselves “as ready as possible to deliver the service”, which is due to start in September, PSNC said.

The negotiator has also produced a leaflet to “specifically target common issues and tackle misconceptions” among patients, it added. The leaflet addresses a number of myths about the sector's ability to deliver the service, including the mistaken belief that pharmacists cannot offer flu vaccinations in private.

Last month, pharmacy leaders issued a defiant response to criticism from leading GPs that a national pharmacy flu service will fail to boost vaccine uptake.  

Have you experienced any negativity from GPs towards the service? 
 

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