Responding to news that NHS England will, if needed, now allow practices to deliver the Flu and Covid-19 vaccination programme from September rather than October, Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of GPC England at the BMA, said:

“This news is very welcome, coming after the BMA made clear yesterday to NHS England that shifting the entire programme at the last minute to October would not only cause widespread confusion, but also serious disruption as flu clinics would have to be rearranged to fit the new timetable.

“Today’s update, however, means that any flu clinics scheduled for September will go ahead and that, most importantly, no pre-booked appointments will need to be cancelled and deferred. Eligible patients who have been invited for a flu vaccine in September will get it, which is vital to keeping them safe during the winter months.

“While this is a step in the right direction, NHS England is yet to address the funding cut for delivering Covid-19 vaccines, which is forcing practices into a position where they might not be able to offer it this year. All GPs and their teams want to do is protect their patients, but not giving us the resources to do that makes it incredibly difficult. We have raised this with the Minister for vaccines, and hope a way forward can be found as quickly as possible.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.