The deadline for GP practices to submit payment claims for flu vaccinations has been shortened for this year’s 2023/24 campaign.
Rather than the usual six months, practices will only have three months to validate and submit claims for work carried under both the adult and children’s flu programmes.
Surgeries have been advised not to get caught out by the change in a bulletin sent out this week by North West London ICS.
It said practices should ‘please be aware that the payment time limits have been amended for 23/24 and practices will now have a deadline of 3 months to check monthly extractions and submit their claims’.
The advice reiterates what is set out in the Enhanced Service specifications for adults and children. They both state that: ‘Practices submitting claims to the Commissioner (NHSE) for payment monthly wherever possible and practices must…validate and submit a claim to the Commissioner (NHSE) for payment within 3 months of the date of the administration of the completing dose of the vaccine.’
Last year, the time limit to make claims was six months.
To participate in this year’s flu campaign, practices must sign up by 31 August. For practices also participating in the Covid-19 enhanced service, the deadline is before 5pm on 29 August.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the start date for the adult flu and covid vaccination programmes – initially set for 1 September – has been delayed until October. However, practices will still be paid for any adult flu jabs administered in September, NHS England has said.
Vaccinations for flu in school-aged children and for pre-schoolers will start on 1 September.
The National Booking Service will be open for participating sites to post vaccination appointments from 25 September. It will go live to the public on 2 October in readiness for 7 October. Patients will be able to book joint flu and Covid-19 appointments.
