Published: 08/10/20

Introduction

This circular advises and community pharmacy contractors of changes in the Drug Tariff with respect of reimbursement arrangements for the use of privately procured influenza vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination programme 2020/21.

Background

Circular PCA(P)(2020)17 set out the agreed arrangements on fees payable to community pharmacy contractors participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination programme for 2020/21.

The Circular noted that details of reimbursement arrangements would be published in the event that privately procured stock is used in the delivery of the NHS vaccination programme for 2020/21.

Detail

Health Boards and Community Pharmacy Health Board Committees should agree the use of pharmacy contractors privately procured stock prior to use.

Pharmacy contractors who have entered arrangements with their NHS Board for the provision of the seasonal influenza vaccine programme 2020/21 should ensure they have agreed with their Board appropriate local arrangements:

• 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.

• Apart from monitoring uptake for payment purposes, it is important for Health Boards to have agreed with Community Pharmacy Health Board Committees 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. This will include use of UCF Covid-19 Supply or NEO.

• Order processes for flu vaccine stock should be agreed by Health Boards and Community Pharmacy Health Board Committees as part of any

Service Level Agreement

Pharmacy contractors should, whenever possible, utilise NHS supplied flu vaccine stock as part of the current programme. A reimbursement price of £5.52 will applied as a default unless otherwise endorsed via the UCF Covid-19 supply mechanism.