Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he is having with representatives of the pharmacy sector to ensure preparedness for the 2020 flu season; and if he will make a statement.

There have been discussions with community pharmacy organisations to consider how the influenza vaccination service can be best delivered, as well as local flu delivery board conversations between commissioners and pharmacy providers. These are ongoing with the aim of maintaining and improving the uptake of the influenza vaccine across primary care.

The final agreed service requirements will be published during the summer, in preparation for the flu season. Discussions between NHS England and NHS Improvement and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee are also ongoing to update the Community Pharmacy Seasonal Influenza Advanced Service for the 2020/21 flu season. This includes our preparation on COVID-19.