BMA Backs NI Vaccine Plan

As planning for an anticipated October surge in swine flu cases picks up speed, local doctors have agreed arrangements for vaccination of at-risk patients.

Yesterday, the NI Health Minister said that he expects to have sufficient vaccine for all those in the initial priority groups by the end of November.

"I anticipate a license being granted in October," he told the Assembly, noting a UK-wide deal has been agreed with the General Practitioner's Committee regarding administration of the vaccine this autumn.

"We have agreed that GPs will receive £5.25 per dose of vaccine given and that district nurses will assist by vaccinating the housebound in line with existing seasonal flu arrangements.

"I am grateful to GPs for their willingness to take on this major vaccination programme. I am satisfied that their co-operation represents value for money in delivering the programme.

"Preparations will now begin for GPs to immunise the priority groups once the vaccine is licensed," he said.

Commenting, Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland GP committee said: "GPs in Northern Ireland are pleased that agreement has now been reached regarding the pandemic flu vaccination programme.

"We can now start the process of ensuring the vaccination of priority groups, including frontline healthcare staff, once the vaccine has been approved and we have received it," he said.

On the fee, the top doctor explained that GPs will not make profit from the payment.

"It has been agreed with government that GP practices throughout the four nations will receive £5.25 per dose of vaccine.

"This fee was agreed as it will cover the expenses incurred by practices in administering the vaccination programme.

"This payment per dose of vaccine will be used, for example, to pay for staff to work extra hours as necessary to ensure that the vaccination programme proceeds as planned.

"In addition, practices will need to write to patients in the priority groups at least twice to invite them for the two vaccinations, and this payment will help to offset these costs," he said.

(BMcC/GK)