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Primary care guidance
Alternative seasonal booster
Advice on the alternative seasonal COVID-19 booster, Nuvaxovid.
Published 22 November 2022.
Maximising uptake of antenatal vaccinations during the autumn COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine programmes
Letter setting out the essential role of maternity and vaccination services in advising pregnant women about vaccinations against COVID-19, flu and pertussis.
Published 13 October 2022
Transfer of COVID-19 vaccines between NHS vaccination sites
A policy for use by healthcare professionals and senior managers responsible for the transfer and safe handling of COVID-19 vaccines
Published 29 September 2022
Autumn COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine programme
Letter setting out the actions to take, as well as operational details systems to consider, when finalising plans for the autumn COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine programme.
Published 18 August 2022.
COVID-19 Enhanced Service Vaccination Collaboration Agreement: Phase 5
Agreement for primary medical services providers taking part in the vaccination programme.
Published 1 August 2022.
COVID-19 autumn booster and flu vaccine programme expansion
Letter setting out next steps for the flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes for autumn and winter 2022.
Published 15 July 2022
COVID-19 vaccination enhanced service specification for autumn/winter 2022 for community pharmacy
Enhanced service specification for community pharmacy; phase 5, and other documents relating to phase 5 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Published 30 June 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination enhanced service specification for autumn/winter 2022 for general practice
Enhanced service specification for general practices: phase 5, and other documents relating to phase 5 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Published 30 June 2022.
Next steps for COVID-19 vaccination
Letter setting out next steps for COVID-19 and routine vaccination.
Published 22 June 2022.
Identifying and inviting or signposting people who are immunosuppressed for the COVID-19 spring booster
Letter setting out additional urgent steps to ensure that all remaining eligible immunosuppressed individuals receive a booster during the Spring campaign.
Published 13 June 2022.
Guidance on ‘pausing’ LVS, HH/HH+ and VC sites
Guidance on how local vaccination services (LVS), hospital hubs (HH), hospital hub+ (HH+) and vaccination centres (VC) can be paused between April and September 2022.
Published 3 May 2022.
Next steps for the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme planning and delivery
This letter and these planning parameters set out the current priorities for the COVID-19 vaccination programme for 2022/23.
Published 23 February 2022.
Updated JCVI advice for vaccinating 5 to 11-year-olds
The government has accepted updated advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the vaccination of non at risk 5 to 11 year-olds.
Published 18 February 2022.
Next steps for general practice following the accelerated COVID-19 vaccination booster campaign
Guidance for Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
Published 27 January 2022.
Contacting patients who are severely immunosuppressed about their booster dose
Letter issuing guidance on contacting patients who are severely immunosuppressed about their booster dose.
Published 25 January 2022.
Maximising access to COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy
Letter asking maternity service leads to co-ordinate with Vaccination Programme leads so that every woman attending a maternity service has easy, timely access to vaccine confidence conversations and co-located vaccination offers.
Published 25 January 2022.
Generating local demand – delivering the maximum available vaccinations
Top tips to generate local demand for vaccinations and help maximise delivery.
Published 10 January 2022.
Updated JCVI advice for the vaccination of children and young people
Advice on vaccinations for some children aged 5 to 11 and boosters for some young people aged 12 to 17. Letter from Dr Emily Lawson and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 23 December 2021.
A new national mission for the NHS: boosting our defences against Omicron
Thanking staff for their work on the vaccination programme and asking them to support the booster jab campaign. Letter from Ruth May, Prof Stephen Powis, Suzanne Rastrick and Dr Keith Ridge.
Published 17 December 2021.
National call: Next steps for the NHS COVID-19 vaccine deployment
Next steps to offer all eligible adults over 18 a booster jab by 31 December. Letter from Amanda Pritchard, Emily Lawson, Eleanor Kelly and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 13 December 2021.
Identifying and inviting or signposting people who are immunosuppressed for the COVID-19 spring booster
Letter setting out additional urgent steps to ensure that all remaining eligible immunosuppressed individuals receive a booster during the Spring campaign.
Published 13 June 2022.
Preparing the NHS for the potential impact of the Omicron variant and other winter pressures
Important actions every part of the NHS should take to prepare and respond to Omicron. Letter from Amanda Pritchard and Prof Stephen Powis.
Published 13 December 2021.
Second phase for children and young people aged 12 to 15: next steps for COVID-19 vaccine deployment
Next steps on second dose vaccination for healthy 12 to 15-year-olds. Letter from Nick Hulme and Dr Nikki Kanani.
Published 13 December 2021.
JCVI advice in response to the emergence of the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant: next steps for deployment
Accelerating COVID-19 vaccination following emergence of the Omicron variant. Letter from Amanda Pritchard, Dr Emily Lawson, Dr Nikki Kanani and Ed Waller.
Published 3 December 2021.
COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccination for pregnant women
How to advise pregnant women of the benefits of COVID-19 and flu vaccination this winter. Letter from Ruth May, Dr Nikita Kanani, Prof Stephen Powis, Prof Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent and Matthew Jolly.
Published 1 December 2021.
Third primary COVID-19 vaccine dose for eligible cancer patients
The next steps to ensure cancer patients receive a third dose. Letter from Professor Stephen Powis, Dame Cally Palmer and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 17 November 2021.
Booster vaccination for cohort 10 and second doses for 16 and 17-year olds
Actions to take following updated advice from the JCVI on vaccinating 40 to 49-year-olds and 16 to 17-year-olds. Letter from Dr Emily Lawson and Dr Nikki Kanani.
Published 15 November 2021.
Vaccination as a condition of deployment (VCOD) for all healthcare workers
Next steps to meet government regulations on vaccinating all healthcare workers. Letter from Amanda Pritchard, Prerana Issar, Prof Stephen Powis, Ruth May and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 10 November 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination deployment next steps for 12 to 15-year-old vaccination
Maximising capacity to vaccinate 12-15-year-olds by offering vaccination outside of schools. Letter from Prof Sir Keith Willett and Nick Hulme.
Published 19 October 2021.
Use of Moderna (SpikeVax®) COVID-19 vaccine in PCN-led vaccination sites
The process for PCN sites to use the Moderna vaccine safely and effectively. Letter from Caroline Temmink.
Published 11 October 2021.
Phases 1, 2 and 3 including vaccination of eligible children and young people
Standard operating procedure describing the operating model and design requirements for safe delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in the community.
Updated 8 October 2021.
Assuring implementation of JCVI guidance for vaccinating immunosuppressed individuals with a third primary dose
Actions for NHS Trusts to support third doses for the immunosupressed. Letter from Prof. Sir Keith Willett, Prof Stephen Powis and Dr Keith Ridge.
Published 30 September 2021.
Assuring implementation of JCVI guidance for vaccinating severely immunosuppressed individuals with a third primary dose
Actions for GP practices and PCN-led vaccination sites to support third doses for the immunosuppressed. Letter from Prof Sir Keith Willett and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 30 September 2021.
Reducing microbial risk when transporting COVID-19 vaccines in pop up, roving, and mobile models
How to identify the risk factors associated with the transfer of vaccines and reduce the risks.
Published 21 September 2021.
Vaccination of children aged 12 to 15 years with underlying health conditions
Identifying children who are now eligible for vaccination, following a revised JCVI definition of "underlying health conditions". Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Caroline Temmink.
Published 20 September 2021.
Vaccination for secondary school children: governance of storage, distribution and preparation arrangements
The pharmaceutical standards needed to maintain the integrity of COVID-19 vaccines in schools so they remain safe and effective. Letter from Dr Keith Ridge.
Published 15 September 2021.
Immediate action required for Phase 3 booster vaccinations
Actions for all sites to take to begin booster vaccinations for priority groups 1 to 9. Letter from Prof Sir Keith Willett and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 15 September 2021.
Vaccination of healthy children and young people aged 12 to 15
How to prepare for the vaccination of children aged 12 to 15 and ensure invitations have been sent before half term. Letter from Prof. Sir Keith Willett and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 15 September 2021.
Updated JCVI guidance for vaccinating immunosuppressed individuals with a third primary dose
Actions to take to begin third doses for immunosuppressed people aged 12 and over. Letter from Prof. Sir Keith Willett and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 2 September 2021.
Impact of granting a Conditional Marketing Authorisation for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty®)
Operational implications following a change in licensing status for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Letter from Dr Keith Ridge.
Published 26 August 2021.
Actions for all practices to support vaccinating eligible 12-15 year olds
Actions all practices should take to help identify eligible 12 to 15-year-olds (cohort 13). Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 13 August 2021.
Updated JCVI guidance for the vaccination of children and young people
Guidance on the vaccination of healthy 16 to 17-year-olds. Letter from Prof Sir Keith Willett and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 5 August 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy
Urgent actions to improve rates of vaccination in pregnant women. Letter from Matthew Jolly, Prof Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent and Dr Jonathan Leach.
Published 30 July 2021.
Next steps following updated JCVI guidance in relation to COVID-19 vaccinations for children and young people
Guidance for children and young people aged 12 and over who have underlying health conditions. Letter from Prof Sir Keith Willett, Dr Nikita Kanani and Eleanor Kelly.
Published 22 July 2021.
Enhanced Service specification: COVID-19 vaccination
Enhanced Service specification: Phase 4, and other documents relating to Phase 3 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme
Updated 10 March 2022.
Community pharmacy Local Enhanced Service Specification – phase 3 coronavirus vaccination
Details of how community pharmacy will provide phase 3 COVID-19 vaccination services.
Updated 21 December 2021.
Acceleration of second doses for all cohorts
Bringing forward second doses for remaining people who have not yet received a second dose. Letter from Keith Willett.
Published 6 July 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccination Autumn/Winter (Phase 3) planning
Basic principles to support local planning for phase 3 vaccination. Letter from Emily Lawson, Dr Nikki Kanani and Professor Keith Willett.
Published 1 July 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination FAQs: students in Higher Education Institutions
Answers to common questions about vaccinating students in higher education.
Published 18 June 2021.
Acceleration of second doses for cohort 10 and plans for inviting the remainder of cohort 12
Guidance on second doses for people in their 40s and invitations for 18 to 24-year-olds. Letter from Emily Lawson and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 15 June 2021.
Further funding and support for PCN and Community Pharmacy-led COVID-19 vaccination sites
An outline of extra support and funding allocations. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani, Ed Waller and Caroline Temmink.
Published 10 June 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination: Pharmacy update
A request for pharmacy leaders to share best practice and read the latest guidance about handling multiple vaccines. Letter from Dr Keith Ridge.
Published 21 May 2021.
Standard Operating Procedure: Roving and mobile models
A description of how to operate roving and mobile vaccination models to maximise vaccine uptake.
Updated 7 October 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech: change to shelf life when stored in refrigerators at 2-8C
Changes to the approved storage period of unopened, thawed vials. Letter from Emily Lawson and Dr Keith Ridge.
Published 20 May 2021.
Second doses: Further details on the support available for PCN-led sites
Support available for PCN-led sites to reschedule appointments for second doses. Letter from Dr Nikki Kanani and Caroline Temmink.
Published 20 May 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination: accelerating second doses for priority cohorts 1-9
Appointments for a second dose will be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks. Letter from Emily Lawson, Dr Nikki Kanani and Eleanor Kelly.
Published 15 May 2021.
JCVI announcement regarding AstraZeneca vaccine and next steps
Updated guidance for the use of AstraZeneca for some people under 40. Letter from Dr Emily Lawson, Prof Stephen Powis and Dr Nikki Kanani.
Published 7 May 2021.
JCVI announcement regarding COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and next steps
Guidance about vaccinating pregnant women. Letter from Dr Nikki Kanani and Dr Jonathan Leach.
Updated 19 May 2021.
FAQs: MHRA and JCVI guidance on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and very rare clotting disorders
Answers to common questions about the AstraZeneca vaccine and its use in patients under 30.
Published 15 April 2021.
Next phase of NHS COVID-19 vaccination campaign
Guidance on vaccinating cohorts 10-12 (people aged 18-49). Letter from Dr Emily Lawson and Dr Nikki Kanani.
Published 13 April 2021.
Further opportunity for community pharmacy to contribute to the COVID-19 vaccination programme
Request for community pharmacy in some areas to join the vaccination programme. Letter from Dr Emily Lawson, Ed Waller and Dr Keith Ridge CBE.
Published 12 April 2021.
Supporting COVID-19 vaccine uptake during Ramadan
How organisations can reach out and engage with Muslim communities during Ramadan.
Published 9 April 2021.
Announcement regarding AstraZeneca vaccine and next steps
Guidance following reports of rare side effects. Letter from Dr Emily Lawson, Prof Stephen Powis and Dr Nikki Kanani.
Published 7 April 2021.
JCVI Cohort 6 - adult household contacts of adults with severe immunosuppression
Operational Guide to support mobilising vaccination for this group of adults.
Published 31 March 2021.
Vaccination of adult household contacts of severely immunosuppressed individuals alongside JCVI priority Cohort 6 and completion of Cohorts 1-9
Actions for GP practices to take following updated JCVI guidance. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani, and Ed Waller.
Published 31 March 2021.
Maximising vaccine uptake in underserved communities: a framework for systems, sites and local authorities leading vaccination delivery
A problem-solving framework, best practice, and practical guidance.
Published 26 March 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination programme: FAQs on second doses
Answers to common questions about second doses including the interval between doses and vaccine supply.
Updated 20 May 2021.
Quality Assurance Framework: COVID-19 vaccination sites
A quality assurance tool for organisations delivering COVID-19 vaccine services.
Published 4 March 2021.
Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccination
Actions and guidance for maternity services to invite eligible women for vaccination. Letter from Matthew Jolly and Prof Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent.
Published 19 March 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination deployment next steps on uptake and supply
Next steps after national booking opened to everyone aged 50 and over. Letter from Emily Lawson and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 17 March 2021.
Role of PCN LVS sites in Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme
Guidance for GP practices, as part of a PCN grouping, to vaccinate patients in cohorts 10 to 12.
Published 11 March 2021.
Vaccinating people registered with a GP in Wales in COVID-19 vaccination sites in England
Position statement clarifying how people registered with Welsh GPs can be vaccinated in England.
Published 11 March 2021.
COVID-19 vaccine deployment programme: unpaid carers (JCVI priority cohort 6)
Standard operating procedure to help identify carers and enable them to be invited quickly for vaccination.
Updated 5 October 2021.
Vaccination plans for PCN COVID vaccination sites for weeks of 8 March to 29 March 2021
Information for PCN sites about vaccine supply in March 2021. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller.
Published 2 March 2021.
Vaccination plans for community pharmacy COVID vaccination sites weeks of 8 March to 29 March 2021
Information for community pharmacy LVS about vaccine supply in March 2021. Letter from Ed Waller.
Published 2 March 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination deployment next steps and plans for weeks of 8 and 15 March
Key priorities and actions for NHS leaders. Letter from Emily Lawson and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 2 March 2021.
Improving social care staff vaccination rates in care homes for older people
Measures to understand vaccine hesitancy among social care staff and increase vaccination rates. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Sir David Pearson.
Published 2 March 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination training
Top tips on communicating with people with a learning disability and autistic people.
Published 22 February 2021.
Further opportunities for PCN and Community Pharmacy vaccination sites to partner with community venues
How vaccination sites can deliver temporary vaccination clinics in community venues. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller.
Published 24 February 2021.
Supporting CCGs to address vaccine inequalities
Details of work being carried out and funding available to address vaccine inequalities. Letter from Emily Lawson, Dr Nikita Kanani and Eleanor Kelly.
Published 24 February 2021.
Vaccinating Cohort 6: Individuals added to the shielded patient list via QCovid® and adult carers
Encouraging two key groups included in cohort 6 to get vaccinated. Letter from Emily Lawson and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 20 February 2021.
Patients identified at increased risk from COVID-19, and implications for vaccination, support and advice
Information on supporting clinically extremely vulnerable patients throughout the pandemic.
Updated 16 February 2021.
Vaccination of JCVI cohorts 5-6 and additional funding for vaccination in residential settings
Update on the vaccination of cohorts 5 and 6. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller.
Updated 16 February 2021.
Self-referral for social care worker vaccination
Letter setting out the next steps for eligible social care worker vaccination, including self-referral.
Published on 11 February 2021.
Assurance of COVID-19 vaccination offer for all eligible health and social care workers
Actions to ensure eligible staff have been offered a vaccine. Letter from Emily Lawson, Dr Nikita Kanani, Prerana Issar, Sir David Pearson and Eleanor Kelly.
Published 9 February 2021.
Offering vaccination to JCVI cohorts 1-4 before 15 February, and extra funding for vaccination of housebound patients
Actions vaccination sites need to take to ensure a universal offer of vaccination to cohorts 1-4. Letter from Ed Waller and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 4 February 2021.
Access to National Workforce Supply Routes for Community Pharmacy
How community pharmacy can access the National Workforce Supply Routes to increase staff capacity.
Updated 18 August 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccination in older adult care homes – thank you and next steps by 31 January
Update for staff vaccinating residents in older adult care homes. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller.
Published 27 January 2021.
Access to National Workforce Supply Routes for Primary Care Network (PCN) Groupings
How PCN groupings can access the National Workforce Supply Routes to increase staff capacity.
Updated 18 August 2021.
Mutual aid and the transfer of COVID-19 vaccines between NHS vaccination sites
A policy for use by healthcare professionals and senior managers responsible for vaccine transfer.
Updated 30 September 2021.
Vaccinating frontline social care workers
How eligible workers can access vaccinations, from the primary dose through to booster jabs.
Updated 13 October 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination in older adult care homes – the next stage
An update on next steps and deadlines for giving a first dose of vaccine to this cohort. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller.
Published 13 January 2021.
Instruction on timing of second dose of COVID-19 vaccinations
How second doses can be used to ensure maximum optimisation of the vaccination programme. Letter from Emily Lawson, Dr Nikita Kanani and Prof Stephen Powis.
Published 11 January 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccine Oxford AstraZeneca – movement of vaccine
Details of the additional flexibility offered by the introduction of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani, Dr Keith Ridge and Ed Waller.
Published 7 January 2021.
Operational guidance: vaccination of frontline health and social care workers
Guidance on who should be vaccinated, and actions that NHS organisations should take. Letter from Dr Emily Lawson, Dr Nikita Kanani and Prerana Issar.
Updated 26 January 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination sites: information and guidance on setting up and managing the booking capacity of each site
Standard operating procedure for vaccination site operational leads and site managers.
Updated 20 May 2021.
Deployment of COVID-19 Vaccine Oxford/AstraZeneca: implications for governance, handling and preparation of vaccines
Details of how this vaccine should be handled and deployed. Letter from Dr Keith Ridge.
Published 31 December 2020.
Guidance for COVID-19 vaccination in care homes that have cases and outbreaks
How to safely give vaccinations in care homes that have cases and outbreaks.
Published 31 December 2020.
COVID-19 vaccination - action for CCGs on support to help GPs rebook vaccine appointments
Guidance on extending the gap between the first and second doses of the vaccine. Letter from Ed Waller and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 31 December 2020.
COVID-19 vaccination – for immediate action
Information following authorisation to use the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK. Letter from Sir Simon Stevens, Dr Emily Lawson and Prof Stephen Powis.
Published 30 December 2020.
Community pharmacy local enhanced service – coronavirus vaccination
Details of how community pharmacy will provide phase 3 COVID-19 vaccination services.
Updated 21 December 2021.
Staffing support to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to care home residents and staff
Arrangements to support the roll out of the roving vaccination model to care homes. Letter from Mark Radford, Simon Currie and Dr Nikita Kanani.
Published 20 December 2020.
Management of COVID-19 vaccination clinical incidents and enquiries
Standard operating procedure setting out how incidents and enquiries are escalated and addressed.
Updated 26 July 2022.
Governance, handling, and preparation of vaccines by GP led Local Vaccination Centres (PCN designated sites)
The principles for safely handling COVID-19 vaccines to maintain their quality. Letter from Dr Keith Ridge.
Published 8 December 2020.
Legal mechanisms for administration of the COVID-19 Vaccine(s)
How vaccines can be used until the national Patient Group Direction / national protocol is available.
Updated on 10 December 2020.
PCN sites beginning COVID-19 vaccination next week – information to support you to stand up your vaccination service
Information for sites beginning vaccinations in the week of 14 December 2020. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller.
Published 7 December 2020.
Wave 1 mobilisation of the Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccine
Update on setting up the first wave of designated local vaccination services. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller.
Published 4 December 2020.
Supply Inventory List for primary care
Inventory lists and processes for primary care organisations.
Updated 19 April 2021.
Preparing for general practice to contribute to a potential COVID-19 vaccination programme
Guidance and letters for general practice, preparing them to take part in the vaccination programme.
Published 9 November 2020.
COVID-19 Enhanced Service Vaccination Collaboration Agreement: Phase 4
Agreement for primary medical services providers taking part in the vaccination programme.
Updated 15 June 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination programme 2020/21 – next steps
Information for GP practices about the vaccination programme. Letter from Dr Nikita Kanani and Ed Waller.
Published 1 December 2020.
Enhanced Service Specification: COVID-19 vaccination programme 2020/21
Arrangements for GP practices to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination programme.
Updated 21 September 2021.
Preparing for community pharmacy to contribute to a potential COVID-19 vaccination programme
Guidance and letters for community pharmacy.
Published 16 February 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination programme 2020/21 – Outcome of general practice site designation process and next steps
Confirmation of site approval and next steps for PCN groupings. Letter from Ed Waller and Dr Nikki Kanani.
Published 24 November 2020.