The RSV vaccine community pharmacy Pathfinder programme in the East of England

The East of England immunisation commissioning team collaborated with NHS England, UKHSA, and two selected ICBs (Mid and South Essex, and Suffolk and North-East Essex) to deliver the community pharmacy Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination pathfinder programme. 

An After-Action Review (AAR) method was used to evaluate the programme, identifying successes, challenges and key learnings on the role of community pharmacy in vaccination programmes. This sought feedback from both pathfinder systems involved in the programme through a MS Teams form. This was distributed by the regional vaccinations operations centre (RVOC) and also sent to local pharmaceutical committee (LPC) leads, all community pharmacies and other staff involved in the programme. ICB vaccination leads also provided feedback.

Through the review, the region highlighted the role of selected community pharmacies in the two selected integrated care systems in the East of England NHS region in supporting the RSV vaccination CP pathfinder programme. The region reflected on the successes and challenges of the RSV CP vaccination pathfinder programme and explored opportunities to engage with professional colleagues to support the national vaccination strategy. 

Between October and December 2024, 8,732 RSV vaccinations were administered in 37 community pharmacies. 

Successes and challenges

Key successes of the programme include high uptake and effective support, while challenges involved capacity issues, communication overload and logistical complexities including storage limitations and site capacity issues, although no clinical or cold chain incidents were reported. 

Recommendations and enablers include extending procurement periods, providing clear deployment information bespoke to pharmacy, making the National Booking Service available via the NHS site, and improving payment mechanisms.  There was shared learning with over 30 pharmacies visited, providing valuable feedback, and highlighting good practice. 

The role of CPs in vaccination programmes continues to expand, promoting CPs as key resources in multiple vaccination programmes and pharmaceutical public health. This programme builds on the 2022 evidence review on pharmaceutical public health and positions CPs to contribute to the NHS England Vaccination Strategy. 

Selected CPs in the East of England have successfully contributed to the RSV vaccination CP pathfinder programme since October 2024, providing insights for future CP involvement as this programme is expanded.