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Originator: CMO Messaging

From: CMO Messaging

Issue date: 03-Dec-2024 08:30:09

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
  • Ambulance Trusts
  • Social Care Providers (registered with CAS)
  • Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Trusts
  • Territorial CMOs in Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales
  • Regional Directors of Public Health
  • Director of Public Health
  • Acute Trusts
  • Community Trusts
  • 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 2024/25: Use of antiviral medicines

Broadcast content: UKHSA surveillance data indicates that influenza is circulating in the community. While some areas continue to see low levels of influenza activity, surveillance indicators show that activity is increasing in all levels of care and activity is expected to increase further over the coming weeks. The most notable changes have been a significant increase in influenza positivity through laboratory surveillance and an increase in acute respiratory infection outbreaks with a marked increase in those with influenza reported, principally in care homes. 

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 download document.


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

Alert reference: CEM/CMO/2024/003

Attachments:

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Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency