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Originator: CMO Messaging

From: CMO Messaging

Issue date: 14-Dec-2023 14:42:22

This alert has been issued to:
  • Care Trusts
  • Mental Health Trusts
  • Other contacts
  • Specialists Trusts
  • Independent Healthcare Providers (registered with CAS)
  • Clinical Commissioning Groups
  • NHS Regional Offices
  • Learning Disabilities Trusts
  • Mental Health & Social Care Trusts
  • NHS Foundation Trusts (England) - Medical Director
  • NHS Foundation Trusts (England) - Chief Executive
  • Ambulance Trusts
  • Social Care Providers (registered with CAS)
  • NHS Trusts (England) - Medical Director
  • CMO Urgent Messages - Non-NHS Recipients on Public Health Link
  • Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Trusts
  • Territorial CMOs in Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales
  • Regional Directors of Public Health
  • Consultants in Communicable Diseases
  • CMO Urgent Messages - Recipients on Public Health Link
  • Director of Public Health
  • Acute Trusts
  • Community Trusts
  • NHS Trusts (England) - Chief Executive
  • GP - Locum
  • NHS 111 and Out of hours providers
  • GP Practices
  • Integrated Care Boards
  • Community Pharmacy
  • Primary Care Networks
  • GP Practices 1

Action category: Action

Title: Influenza Season 2023/24: Use of antiviral medicines

Broadcast content:

UKHSA surveillance data indicates that influenza is circulating in the community. 

Prescribers working in primary care may now prescribe, and community pharmacists may now supply antiviral medicines (oseltamivir and zanamivir) for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza at NHS expense. This is in accordance with NICE guidance, and Schedule 2 to the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts (Prescription of drugs etc) Regulations 2004), commonly known as the Grey List or Selected List Scheme (SLS). 

Antiviral medicines may be prescribed for patients in clinical at-risk groups as well as anyone at risk of severe illness and/or complications from influenza if not treated.

Further information can be found in the attached alert.



Additional information: NHS England Regions: please cascade to community pharmacy

Alert reference: CEM/CMO/2023/003

Attachments:

Contact our helpdesk

Email: safetyalerts@mhra.gov.uk

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency