Extension of the seasonal flu programme

NHS England has announced that for the 2017/18 flu season, the delivery of flu immunisation will be extended to include social care workers that offer direct patient care.

The influenza vaccine PGD template has been amended to include the vaccination of health and social care staff, employed by a registered residential care/nursing home or registered domiciliary care provider, who are directly involved in the care of vulnerable patients/clients who are at increased risk from exposure to influenza, meaning those patients/clients in a clinical risk group or aged 65 years and over.

Note that the previous version (v04.00) is not being formally withdrawn in order to ensure continuity of service and may still be used this season (until 31 March 2018). However, this new version of the PGD will be needed to vaccinate health and social care staff in line with the NHS commissioned service when it is commenced.

A GP enhanced service specification has been published on the NHS England website here

Care workers can also access the flu vaccine via their community pharmacy, further information is
available on the NHS England website . 

Published 13th January 2018