The growing role of community pharmacy in COVID vaccination programmes
The CCA analysis finds that community pharmacies have provided nearly a quarter (24%) of all COVID vaccines in England so far, and nearly half (46%) of all COVID vaccines this year (2023). In 2021, a third of COVID vaccines were administered to the 20% most deprived communities. The CCA has identified several key changes NHSE must address that can unlock community pharmacy. This includes updates to the National Booking System, a change to the assurance process to bring it more in line with normal practice, and changes to ensure more robust supply of vaccines.