Flu vaccines 2023/24
Offering a flu vaccination service through community pharmacy is so important and, possibly more so since the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the impact that a viral infection can have on the population if it’s not controlled effectively.
Community pharmacy has an important role in supporting this aim and helping as many people as possible to have easy and convenient access to a flu vaccination service.
The following vaccines have been recommended by JCVI* for adults in the 2023/24 flu season:
*LAIV the vaccine of choice for the children's programme 2-17 year olds
*Enhanced - advised as a temporary cohort during the Covid-19 pandemic influenza 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. 2023/24 England this cohort is not part of the eligibility criteria. Wales is yet to be confirmed.
Important!
Ensure you refer to your National Service Specification and PGD for any country / health board specific vaccines to use – being reimbursable as part of the NHS service.
As mentioned earlier, it’s really important you understand who should consider having a flu vaccine so you can engage with your customers and signpost to the service in your pharmacy. Most pharmacies across England, Wales and Scotland offer a flu vaccination free of charge on the NHS, providing the customer meets the eligibility criteria. Ensure you check with your pharmacist who is eligible for the free NHS flu jab.