Chamber and committees

The Seasonal Flu Immunisation Programme helps to protect the most vulnerable and alleviate pressure on the NHS. This will be more important than ever this year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Responsibility for delivering the Seasonal Flu Vaccine in 2020-21 rests with Health Boards and Integration Authorities. NHS Scotland Boards will use the delivery model which is most suitable for their local circumstances, whilst maintaining a COVID-safe environment and maximising efficiency. This is a change from previous years, where GP practices, took the lead role in providing flu immunisations.

The need to maintain good infection prevention & control practices and appropriate physical distancing measures at this time will make it hard for general practice to deliver the flu immunisation programme to the levels of previous years. The impact of not delivering those levels this year is likely to be even more significant than it would otherwise be: the wider Health and Social Care system is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic, there may also be a resurgence of COVID-19 and widely prevalent flu symptoms would require more testing for the coronavirus. For most Health Boards, delivering this will require making best use of their GPs as well other clinical resources which can be deployed.

The Scottish Government has also written to all Health Board Chief Executives, highlighting the importance of resourcing the seasonal flu vaccination service, including ensuring individuals contacting them for an appointment are offered alternatives in the event there were any difficulties in them travelling to the venue they are offered.

Jane Grant, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde wrote a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Ms Jeane Freeman on 29 October outlining the additional measures NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are taking to support the most vulnerable by providing additional resourcing at the vaccination centres and collaboration with the local pharmacies to utilise capacity for those who are unable to travel. In the cases where a patient has mobility issues or is housebound, they can be vaccinated by their district nursing team as in previous years.