Central Flu Procurement and Supply Questionnaire

NHS England is considering the arrangements for seasonal flu vaccine supply within the context of the seasonal flu Enhanced Service programme. NHS flu vaccines are unusual within the vaccination programme in that they are not procured and distributed centrally, by NHSE.

NHS England have developed a questionnaire, available at:

Central flu procurement and supply - provider engagement - NHS England - Citizen Space

to gauge views, and the LMC would encourage all GP practices to submit responses; this survey closes on the 17 December 2024.

Clearly, (as with Community Pharmacy) the margins on purchased flu vaccines have become squeezed in recent years, and supply issues more challenging, given the increased difficulty GP practices have in predicting uptake due to the involvement of Community Pharmacy providers and the concurrent Covid vaccination programmes. There has been no overall increase in flu vaccination rates following the widening of vaccination sites.

The item of service fee (of £10.06) for vaccinations remains over 20% below its 2019/20 level in real terms, although this remains a priority for the 2025/26 GP Contract negotiations.

It would be helpful for both NHS England and LMCs/GPC England, to understand GP practices views. There will be no change to the 2025/26 seasonal flu ordering arrangements whatever the outcome of this consultation.

With best wishes

Dr Julius Parker, Chief Executive