A regional deal to vaccinate children under five against swine flu has been agreed between GPs and the NHS East of England.
The strategic health authority (SHA) met with PCTs to secure an agreement with the region’s five local medical committees over providing phase two of the national immunisation programme.
NHS East of England is the third SHA to negotiate a regional agreement after the government and the British Medical Association failed to reconcile their differences over the financial settlement related to vaccination.
A spokeswoman said: “The regional agreement includes a payment of £5.25 per vaccine, as well as additional support from PCTs in delivering the programme.
“This support is being offered in recognition of the significant additional workload involved in delivering a further phase of swine-influenza vaccinations.”
PCTs may offer extra help to GPs by allowing flexible use of extended hours, providing admin support or call and recall support.
GPs in the two other SHAs to reach regional agreements – NHS North East and NHS London – will also be paid £5.25 per vaccination, but London practices can receive a one-off payment of up to £100 for higher vaccine uptake.
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