Delivering at-scale vaccinations through a GP federation
Since the pandemic, the role of federations in vaccination has grown. In 2020, the Alliance for Better Care GP federation was perfectly placed to support member practices to deliver the vaccination programme. Today, it continues to support many of its 77 member practices across 24 primary care networks in Surrey and Sussex to deliver vaccinations.
The federation still delivers an at-scale vaccine programme, coordinating the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for member practices. Due to the current ordering mechanisms practices order the vaccine stock, which is then collected and administered by the federation across their dedicated vaccination sites. This model reduces pressure on practices and allows the federation to make use of economies of scale to make the most out of the available resources.
Overcoming challenges
Communication
Since 2021, national communications about the COVID-19 vaccination have declined and news stories have followed suit. The Alliance for Better Care team now find themselves educating patients on the continued dangers of COVID-19 and confirming that the vaccination is still a relevant protection. Patients who want more information can ring the vaccinations hub or speak to practice staff.
Staffing
Since the return to business-as-usual following lockdown, staffing the twice annual vaccination programme has become more challenging. Staff and volunteers have returned to their day jobs and are less available for seasonal work. By working at scale, the federation is able to draw on a larger staffing pool to combat this shortfall.
Communication and patient engagement
Prior to autumn 2025, spring and autumn vaccination campaigns had different eligibility. In autumn, a wider cohort was invited but in spring the age boundary rose to over 75 and only immune-suppressed patients were eligible. This caused significant confusion for patients who began presenting at practice to book in for the spring booster only to be informed they aren’t eligible. The federation found that patients were not seeing NHS communications or not being presented with clear guidance. The federation team developed internal communications to support patients to understand their eligibility, though producing these materials took additional time and resource from the local team. The move to single eligibility status has been welcomed but improved central communication material would further support the team and patients.
