COVID Vaccination Programme Update 7 December
Publication date: December 2020
Please check our COVID-19 Vaccination Programme page for links to the latest resources.
A letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller of NHSEI outlining the latest position on Wave 1 mobilisation of the Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Programme 2020/21 was published on 4 December.
The Enhanced Service Specification has been re-published (4 December) to include modifications following discussion with MHRA and to ensure patients from non-participating practices can be provided vaccinations.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Collaboration Agreement has also been updated (4 December). This is designed to support the delivery of the CVP by setting out the responsibilities and relationships between collaborating practices.
Practices are asked to sign up to the Enhanced Service by 23:59 on Monday 7 December, and will be provided at least 10 days’ notice of the first vaccines becoming available.
NHSEI will be writing to sites identified as part of Wave 1 today (7 December), setting out full details of vaccine supply dates, delivery of other consumables and equipment to the site, and the process for assuring readiness before delivery of vaccines. This will include a delivery of IT equipment necessary to deliver the programme and a fridge for each site. Access to necessary training will be provided and sites will be given full support to mobilise within the timescale.
Sir Simon Stevens said last week that around 1000 GP group sites had indicated their willingness to take part in the programme. Once the vaccine becomes more widely available these other community sites will be able to start vaccinating. They will also be given at least 10 days’ notice of this. It is therefore important for practices not involved in the first wave to continue to review the enhanced service specification and indicate to their CCG as soon as possible their decision about involvement in the programme.
Rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination is a swiftly developing process; the LMC is monitoring this closely and will publish updates as soon as more information is available.