First seasonal flu plan and consultation on future
procurement options for flu vaccine published
Improving vaccine uptake rates for at-risk groups and keeping
a reserve of flu vaccine to ensure a reliable and safe supply are
among measures set out in the first seasonal flu plan published by
the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today.
The aim of the plan is to learn from the experiences of last
year’s flu season and prevent the vaccine shortages that arose in
some surgeries due to localised surges in demand.
The plan also includes a new emphasis on planning for different
scenarios according to the nature and scale of illness to help
minimise the health impacts of seasonal flu.
It sets out a co-ordinated and evidence based approach to
planning for the next flu season, including:
improving vaccine uptake rates from 50 per cent to 75 per cent
over the next three years for under 65s in at-risk groups;working
more closely with GPs and pharmacies to achieve this;
andpurchasing a central strategic reserve of vaccine to use in the
event of vaccine shortages.
Andrew Lansley said:
“A severe flu season places considerable pressure on the NHS and,
although it coped well last year, there are areas where I’m
determined we can improve.
“Flu can be serious and sadly it can kill. That’s why I want to
protect as many people as possible – particularly those in at risk
groups – by encouraging them to be vaccinated. Vaccination saves
lives and that is why I would like to see us meet the WHO
recommendation that 75 per cent of people in at-risk groups are
being vaccinated by 2014.”
The seasonal flu plan covers the 2011-2012 flu season and is a
step in the process of improving resilience to the pressures from
seasonal flu that the NHS experiences every year.
Consultation on future procurement options
The moves to strengthen the country’s defences against flu do not
stop there. A review of how the country fights flu in the long
term is also underway and includes reviewing how the seasonal flu
vaccine is purchased and distributed.
The Government is considering the introduction of a central
purchase system for the seasonal flu vaccine and wants to hear
views on whether:
it will make the system more robust;could it improve vaccine
uptake; andwhat would be the implications for value for money.
Currently, GPs order vaccines for seasonal flu directly from
manufacturers or their suppliers and are paid for providing the
service through their contract. Under the central system being
consulted upon, the Department would hold a contract with
manufacturers and order vaccine based on GP data of vaccine
requirement. GPs would then place orders for the vaccine with the Department.
This would both reduce the burden on GPs and could save the NHS
up to an estimated £40 million a year.
Andrew Lansley said:
“We must never underestimate this virus which is why we are
looking at how best we can maintain a good supply of vaccine in
the years ahead. If it is better for patients and the NHS for
vaccine to be procured centrally we will do that.
“I’d like to hear the views of all the experts including GPs,
nurses and manufacturers.”
Notes to Editors
1. For further information on flu – please visit www.nhs.uk/flu
2. The seasonal flu plan and consultation document on central
procurement can be found via these links:Seasonal flu plan -
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_127051Consultation
-
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_127078
3. For more media information on seasonal flu please call newsdesk
on 020 7210 5221. 4. Currently those eligible for the seasonal flu
vaccination are those: · aged 65 years or over; · aged under 65
with a clinical condition; · pregnant women; · living in a
residential or nursing home; or · the main carer for an older or
disabled person.
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk