Since 2015, and the launch of the national flu vaccination programme across pharmacies in England, community pharmacy has become an increasingly important part of the NHS’ vaccination infrastructure, improving access, increasing uptake and helping protect public health.
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) has been at the forefront of advocating for a greater role for community pharmacy in vaccination delivery. Through evidence-based policy development, stakeholder engagement and collaboration with healthcare partners, we have consistently worked to demonstrate the value that community pharmacy brings to patients, local communities and the wider NHS.
In 2020/21he CCA played an integral role in supporting NHS England to develop the protocols and terms of service for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, helping to secure much-needed additional funding for the sector and ensuring that community pharmacy was recognised as a key delivery partner.
Since 2020, we have worked closely with NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and partners across the healthcare system to positively shape the development of vaccination services. Alongside this, we led efforts to evolve and strengthen the community pharmacy flu vaccination programme.
Our work has directly contributed to important changes in legislation and service specifications, including enabling off-site vaccine delivery, introducing digital consent processes and expanding the role of pharmacy technicians as vaccinators. We also successfully advocated for community pharmacies to access centrally procured stocks of flu vaccines, helping to improve service resilience and patient access.
Recognising the need for ongoing collaboration and evidence-sharing, in 2023 the CCA established the Pharmacy Vaccinations Development Group (PVDG). Through the PVDG, we have brought together policymakers, commissioners, public health leaders and industry partners to share best practice, develop evidence-based solutions and provide insights that support informed decision making.
As the group has continued to grow in terms of reach, capacity and influence we have seen significant progress across vaccination programmes, including new commissioning of pharmacies for the RSV, pertussis, childhood flu and Meningitis B vaccines.
While these achievements have been delivered through collaboration across the healthcare system, we are proud of the role the CCA has played in championing community pharmacy, providing the evidence to support change, developing practical solutions to challenges, and helping to advance the role of pharmacy in vaccination delivery.
As vaccination programmes continue to evolve, we remain committed to ensuring that community pharmacy is recognised as an essential partner in protecting public health and improving access to preventative healthcare.