Community Pharmacy urged by CCG's to help GP's meet flu targets.

Our colleagues in Newcastle-Gateshead CCG have highlighted the  following flu issues in our area and would like the pharmacy flu service to help.   
Don’t forget all the flu detail you need is available on the PSNC Website.  You need to make sure you complete your declaration at the NHSBSA informing them that you plan to offer the service.  This can be done by clicking here.
Also don't forget to complete your Declaration of competence.  The training that you completed earlier will help you to complete this.  The Declaration of competence can be found on the CPPE website.
Pharmoutcomes is also available to help you manage the service and produce letters for the GP's.  If a GP has an email in the system the notification will go by email automatically.

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CCG  Information 
supplied by Steve Kirk (Clinical Director for Delivery Newcastle Gateshead CCG)
Flu Vaccine uptake in people aged under 65 with respiratory disease has historically been low despite the extra risk of complications and admissions that this group faces, see fig. 1

General Practices struggle to persuade Asthmatic aged under 65 to attend for review, preventative advice or for Flu Vacs. The CCG would like local pharmacies and practices to prioritise people under 65 with respiratory disease in their Flu Vac campaign for 17/18.

People with respiratory benefit from having flu vaccination which reduces risk of hospitalisation, having time off work and death”
Please could Pharmacies target patients taking Steroid, LABA or LAMA Inhalers and offer them a Flu Vac when they attend to pick up medications or inhalers.
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Key messages to give to patients when offering them a Flu Vac

• The vaccination is free
• It cannot give you flu
• It will reduce your risk of being admitted to hospital 
• It will reduce the chance of you needing to take time off work ​​