Published: 21/08/20

This circular informs community pharmacy contractors sets out the proposed fees for community pharmacy contractors participation in the seasonal Influenza vaccination programme for 2020/21.

Background

Following the introduction of the Coronavirus Act 2020, community pharmacists in Scotland may now provide vaccinations and immunisations as set out in Section 40 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (as amended).

It is recognised that delivering the programme this year will be more challenging than ever before because of the impact of Covid-19 on our health and social care sector. In previous years general practice has delivered the seasonal influenza immunisation programme. Practice participation has been optional; immunisation is not a core part of the revised GP contract. Practices are ordinarily paid a per-immunisation fee based on meeting uptake targets for patients in eligible groups.

The flu programme is a strategic and Ministerial priority. The key objectives of the 2020/21 adult flu programme are set in the Chief Medical Officers letter on the adult flu immunisation programme 2020/21 CMO(2020)19.

Detail Immunisation Delivery

Health Boards and Integration Authorities will take the lead role in providing flu immunisations for 2020/21. The participation of community pharmacy contractors will be agreed locally by Boards and Community Pharmacy Health Board Committees, depending on what overall requirements are required to deliver the programme. The pharmacy network position within local communities allows Boards to use the pharmacy teams for:

• Specific patient groups

• Mop up and top up services

• Sessional vaccination ‘clinics’

Whilst the details of this Circular will set a proposed national fee for participation of pharmacy contractors in the flu immunisation programme, it does not preclude Health Boards from contracting additional support from the pharmacy network to deliver the programme. Neither does this Circular direct Health Boards to use pharmacy contractors in local immunisation programmes.

Vaccination Participation Fees

Due to the different models of delivery across NHS Boards, community pharmacy participation will vary depending on location. Different delivery models will require different associated set up, administration and time required to manage that. To maximise pharmacy contractors participation and Health Boards use of the pharmacy network to maximise its contribution to the vaccination programme, a one off participation fee will be offered to contractors participating in the 2020/21 flu immunisation programme set at £250 per pharmacy on the NHS Board’s pharmaceutical list.

The Scottish Government has agreed with CPS that payments should be made for all contractor groups for participation in the flu immunisation programme on an Item of Service basis as follows:

• a flat fee of £8.27 will be paid per immunisation

Local Arrangements

PPE

Health Boards and Community Pharmacy Health Board Committees should agree arrangements as part of any Service Level Agreement for the provision of appropriate PPE, in line with Health Protection Scotland guidance on the use of PPE for immunisation and vaccinations.

Reporting Arrangements

Apart from monitoring uptake for payment purposes, it is important for Health Boards to agree with Community Pharmacy Health Board Committees on arrangements to provide timely data in the interest of patient safety, particularly in situations where the vaccination could be offered in more than one setting. Health Boards will require all necessary data from pharmacy contractors to support the delivery of the programme.

Stock Ordering Arrangements

Order processes for flu vaccine stock are being finalised and Health Boards and Community Pharmacy Health Board Committees should agree arrangements as part of any Service Level Agreement.

Reimbursement Arrangements

Details concerning reimbursement of privately procured influenza vaccines used in delivering NHS service are being finalised and will be issued in the coming weeks.