Nearly a third of pharmacies participating in COVID vaccination programme

Pharmacy press

This  year, 3,511 community pharmacies are delivering COVID vaccines as part of the autumn booster programme. This is more than double the number that took part last year, despite the reduction in the fees paid.

“The participation of nearly a third of community pharmacies in the latest COVID vaccination programme, despite significant ongoing financial and operational challenges the sector is experiencing, is testament to the willingness of pharmacy owners to play their part in important public health initiatives. The new approach to commissioning the programme – which enabled many more pharmacies to opt-in – was a welcome development.

“However, the decision by NHS England to reduce the COVID-19 vaccination fee this year defied logic. We will continue our work to push for the setting of appropriate fees for all community pharmacy services.”