Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance his Department issues to hospitals on the role of improved vaccination in reducing seasonal pressures.

The Annual Flu Plan and Annual Flu letter provide guidance on the seasonal flu vaccination programme, and is sent to a range of healthcare professionals. This provides the necessary information to help local areas prepare for vaccinating eligible groups with the seasonal flu vaccine, and highlights the importance of the programme in helping to reduce pressure on the National Health Service.

When appropriate a letter from the Chief Medical Officer is sent to the NHS recommending the use of anti-viral medicines for appropriate groups.