Services Database Supply of anti-viral medication for the urgent treatment of influenza (Frimley)

The service requires the pharmacy to stock, supply and deliver antiviral medication for:

3.5.1     Level 1 (out of season)

The ICB will commission primary care professionals to respond to localised outbreaks, assess patients and if indicated recommend the use of antiviral medicines for exposed persons in at risk groups. Outside of times when the Chief Medical Officer has advised that seasonal influenza is circulating, prescribers are unable to prescribe antivirals under the General Medical Services regulations and alternative local commissioning arrangements need to be made. The ICB at this stage is responsible for healthcare assessment of individuals and contacts, drug costs and any professional service arrangements with pharmacies.  Patient specific directions will be used by clinicians in any out of season outbreak. Payment for stock dispensed and for dispensing fees will be claimed directly from Frimley ICB.

3.5.2     Level 2 (In season)

Once a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Alert is issued, GPs and prescribers working in primary care are allowed to prescribe antiviral medicines for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza at NHS expense. Community pharmacies therefore will cease to operate at Level 1 and respond to presentation of NHS FP10 prescriptions. NHS FP10 prescriptions are submitted to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) in the usual way. The ICB no longer requires a Locally Commissioned Service with community pharmacies. However, should the need arise for rapid access of a large volume of and delivery of antivirals i.e. outbreak in a care home, then the service prescribing the anti-virals will be notified of which pharmacy holds stock. Individual patients can access any pharmacy they wish or have their prescription sent to their nominated pharmacy.