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Pharmacy inspections

Inspection reports and learning from inspections

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Planning for flu vaccinations

Pharmacy type

Community

Pharmacy context

COVID-19

Relevant standards

  • 1.1 - The risks associated with providing pharmacy services are identified and managed

Why this is notable practice

The pharmacy is planning well in advance, so it will be prepared to deliver the influenza vaccination service this autumn. As the service is invasive and in view of the pandemic, it has thought about how it can minimise the risk of infection and still deliver the service safely.

How the pharmacy did this

In preparation for the flu vaccination service starting in September, the pharmacy had planned how it was going to deliver the service safely and effectively.

The plans included a requirement for all people accessing the service to complete an online assessment form prior to the appointment. And they would be informed to attend wearing short sleeved tops. The service would only be accessible through a booking system. This allowed time for pharmacists to review the answers provided in the online assessment and contact people if necessary.

The pharmacy had ordered three room dividers which they planned to use to make consultation booths. This would allow pharmacists to vaccinate three people in separate spaces. The pharmacy would be providing the service outside of its normal opening hours. And no other people would be allowed into the pharmacy during vaccination clinics. The pharmacy had considered the requirements to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), where needed in accordance with Public Health England guidance. PPE would be changed between each appointment and suitable waste disposal arrangements for used PPE would be readily available.

After each vaccination members of the pharmacy team would clean down the consultation booths before providing the service to the next three people. People who had received their vaccination would also be asked to wait outside in a socially distanced waiting area, visible to pharmacy team members for at least 10 minutes after receiving their vaccination.

The pharmacy was also in the process of updating its standard operating procedures and anaphylaxis protocol to support the new way of delivering the service. And it had started to promote the service and allow people to reserve their flu vaccination appointment.

What difference this made to patients

The pharmacy is taking proactive steps to plan and manage the risks associated with providing the flu vaccination service. People can feel confident they are able to access the service safely.

Highlighted standards

We have identified the standards most likely and least likely to be met in inspections, and highlighted examples of notable practice for each of these standards; to help everyone learn from others and to support continuous improvement:

  1. 1.1 Risk management
  2. 1.2 Reviewing and monitoring the safety of services
  3. 4.2 Safe and effective service delivery
  4. 4.3 Sourcing and safe, secure management of medicines and devices
  5. 2.2 Staff skills and qualifications