Expression of Interest for Autumn Covid Vaccinations Extended

Deadline for applications 5pm on Monday 4th September 2023

NHS England (NHSE) have extended the expression of interest (EOI) process for pharmacies that would like to participate in the autumn service, starting 11th September.

All pharmacies that have offered the service previously will need to express interest if they want to continue to provide the vaccination.

The EOI process

NHSE has published the draft Enhanced services specification for the autumn service and guidance on the EOI process. Any pharmacies interested in submitting an expression of interest should start by reviewing both of these.

• Draft COVID-19 autumn vaccination Enhanced service specification and guidance on the Community Pharmacy Expression of Interest Process

The EOI application can be completed on the Health-Family Portal 

What is required by the pharmacy to provide the service

Pharmacies are opting-in to this service, same as other advanced services and therefore need to meet minimum requirements. These are detailed in the NHSE guidance document but summarised here:

• Need to read the Enhanced service specification and be confident that you will be able to meet the requirements
• Must be going to provide the Flu Vaccination Advanced Service
• Must be able to offer at least 100 COVID-19 vaccination appointments per week (roughly 20 a day)
• Be ‘in good standing’ from a regulatory perspective with the NHS and other organisations such as the General Pharmaceutical Council

Previously, the service was only commissioned if there was a population need for a new provider to offer the service. That requirement has been removed.

What do you need to have:

• Easy patient access, including availability of car parking and public transport links and disabled access;
• Sufficient space for the administration of vaccines, e.g. second consultation room, or a clear plan as to how the service will be provided while still providing access to a consultation room for other patients who may need to use it, or areas within the pharmacy which can be screened off for sole use in the vaccination service;
• Adequate fridge space and the ability to ensure the security of stored vaccine;
• An understanding of either the PGD or national protocol;
• Availability of appropriately trained staff to provide the service;
• Availability of adequate IT e.g. laptop, Wi-Fi, tablet.

Funding

NHS England has decided to provide an additional fee of £5 for patients vaccinated between 11th September and 31st October (in addition to the service fee of £7.54 per vaccination). Where possible all eligible patients should also be offered their flu vaccination at the same time.

The National Booking System (NBS) will open for patient on 18th September to book covid vacs.

Deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 4th September 2023.

Expression of Interest Portal