Flu Vaccination Service 2024/25
Each year from September through to March the NHS runs a seasonal flu vaccination campaign aiming to vaccinate all patients who are at risk of developing more serious complications from the virus.
The annual flu vaccination programme letter for the 2024/25 season confirms the eligible cohorts for the 2024/5 season and the vaccines which will be reimbursable under the Community Pharmacy Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Advanced Service. See here for specification
The start date for the adult programme has moved from September to October. Children and those that are pregnant will still be able to get the vaccine from 1 September 2024. Further guidance will be issued in due course on how the flu programme should be aligned to any autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme.
CHANGE IN LEGISLATION
New legislation has been introduced to permit pharmacy technicians to supply and administer medicines under Patient Group Directions (PGDs). For more details please refer to Community Pharmacy England website
ACTION TO TAKE: QIVr flu vaccine not available for 2024/25 flu vaccine programme (12th June 2024)
Sanofi have confirmed that, due to an unexpected manufacturing issue, the recombinant quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVr) will now not be available for this year’s adult flu vaccination programme. Sanofi will also contact their customers directly about this.
As a result of this issue, an amendment has been made to the National Flu Immunisation Programme 2024-2025 letter setting out the alternative vaccines that providers can order for the adult programme based on JCVI recommendations. The amendment also signposts to the updated list of influenza vaccines marketed in the UK for 2024/25 which includes manufacturers’ contact details.
To note that for older adults this now includes use of the high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV-HD) which will be available in 2024 to 2025 in the UK market. Alternatively, further orders of other first line vaccines, the adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIV) for those aged 65+ and cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVc) for those under 65 years, should be made.
The full amendment to the annual flu letter is available here: National flu immunisation programme plan 2024 to 2025 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Providers are responsible for securing alternative supplies of vaccine and should order first line vaccines where possible. This will be reimbursed by NHS England in the usual way. If second line vaccines are ordered, regional commissioning teams may still request evidence that providers have exhausted every attempt to secure alternative first line vaccines before reimbursement is agreed.
As QIVr is only licensed for those aged 18 and over, there is no impact on the children’s vaccination programme.