Community Pharmacies and GP practices are allowed to share flu vaccination stock without a wholesaler licence, according to NHS England.
In a recent letter, Deborah Tomalin, NHS England director of Public health Commissioning and Operations, said the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) would not prevent the transfer of QIV (quadrivalent influenza vaccine) or LAIV ( live attenuated influenza vaccine) vaccines that are in ‘short supply’ or ‘temporary no supply’.
The decision follows current issues with the supply of flu vaccines.
“The (GP) practice, pharmacy, NHS Trust or school provider that is holding the excess QIV/LAIV stock has assurance that the vaccine has been stored in the correct temperature-controlled conditions,” the letter read.
While transferring QIV, GP practices should first discuss it with the CCG Flu lead and NHS England commissioning team.
“Considering the excess transfer of complete packs of LAIV vaccines between various providers of the programme in accordance with the advice detailed in this letter, and where the unavailability of vaccine through the ImmForm website would otherwise cause disruption to pre-arranged clinics and sessions,” the letter concluded.
