Don’t blame the worried well, says Pharmacy Voice

Pharmacy Voice today responded to comments by Dr Clare Gerada that so-called ‘worried well’ people who get vaccinated for flu are partly responsible for a shortage of flu vaccines within the NHS.

Rob Darracott, Pharmacy Voice Chief Executive, said:

"People who are taking responsibility for their own health by getting vaccinated outside of the NHS are not to blame for NHS vaccine supply difficulties.

In advance of the flu season, GPs in England ordered what they calculated was sufficient for the NHS programme based on expected demand.  Private supply is entirely separate and does not draw on the stock secured for NHS use. 

Pharmacies cannot be expected to order more than they think they need in case another group runs out, as the flu strains used in the vaccine change from year to year.  Nevertheless, where local supply difficulties exist, Pharmacy Voice encourages community pharmacies to work with other health professionals to ensure that vaccines reach the at risk groups.

Of the people who have been vaccinated privately in pharmacies, many are people in the at-risk categories who have found it more convenient to go to a pharmacy than to their GP.  In those places where the NHS has commissioned pharmacies to provide a NHS flu vaccination service, pharmacies appear to be doing a great job in reaching NHS target groups.  Inside and outside the NHS, pharmacies have helped people in at-risk groups – pharmacies are delivering a valuable service and are in no way part of supply problems.  

In future years, the NHS should commission pharmacies widely so that more people take advantage of the public health support available within this uniquely accessible healthcare network.”   

The bulk of the national stock has been supplied to GPs and the Department of Health says that there is enough vaccine overall in the system through GPs for those who need it.  Most pharmacies do not routinely hold flu vaccine, and at no point has the pharmacy network been in possession of anything other than a tiny fraction of the overall UK stock.    Pharmacies do supply against NHS prescriptions for at risk groups where they have vaccine available. However community pharmacy stocks of vaccines are very small. 

ENDS

1. Most flu vaccinations are administered in the autumn and private supply is not currently widely available in pharmacies. It is also important to note that exclusions apply and children are generally not eligible for vaccinations administered privately in pharmacies.

2. The volume of United Kingdom supply is determined in the early part of the year (for autumn delivery) by manufacturers on the basis of discussions with the Department of Health, GPs and others.  GPs in England order seasonal flu vaccine direct from the manufacturers, according to their anticipated needs.

For further information, please contact the press office on 01727 795901 or 07920 203051, or email communications@npa.co.uk

The NPA, CCA and AIMp are members of Pharmacy Voice, representing all community pharmacy owners. 

Tags: