Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason GP practices in the South Northamptonshire constituency were not given notice of the roll out of flu vaccinations for the 50-64 year old age group; and whether he has made an assessment of the effect on GP switchboards' service of the volume of patient calls as a result of that matter.

The Annual Flu Letter Update published on 5 August outlined the Government’s intention to extend the national flu programme to the 50–64 year old cohort with a proposed start date of November/December, following the prioritisation of at risk groups. General practitioners (GPs) were provided guidance on ordering extra supplies of vaccine from the central stock in October, which has since been updated with information on the 50-64 year old cohort.

The announcement on 20 November to begin the free vaccination of those aged 50-64 years old from 1 December was also included in the Primary Care Bulletin. It has allowed GPs and pharmacies the necessary time to order vaccines from the central stock procured by the Department and organise appointments.