Menu
16/09/2009
BMA Backs NI Vaccine Plan
As planning for an anticipated October surge in swine flu cases picks up speed, local doctors have agreed arrangements for vaccination of at-risk patients.
Yesterday, the NI Health Minister said that he expects to have sufficient vaccine for all those in the initial priority groups by the end of November.
"I anticipate a license being granted in October," he told the Assembly, noting a UK-wide deal has been agreed with the General Practitioner's Committee regarding administration of the vaccine this autumn.
"We have agreed that GPs will receive £5.25 per dose of vaccine given and that district nurses will assist by vaccinating the housebound in line with existing seasonal flu arrangements.
"I am grateful to GPs for their willingness to take on this major vaccination programme. I am satisfied that their co-operation represents value for money in delivering the programme.
"Preparations will now begin for GPs to immunise the priority groups once the vaccine is licensed," he said.
Commenting, Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland GP committee said: "GPs in Northern Ireland are pleased that agreement has now been reached regarding the pandemic flu vaccination programme.
"We can now start the process of ensuring the vaccination of priority groups, including frontline healthcare staff, once the vaccine has been approved and we have received it," he said.
On the fee, the top doctor explained that GPs will not make profit from the payment.
"It has been agreed with government that GP practices throughout the four nations will receive £5.25 per dose of vaccine.
"This fee was agreed as it will cover the expenses incurred by practices in administering the vaccination programme.
"This payment per dose of vaccine will be used, for example, to pay for staff to work extra hours as necessary to ensure that the vaccination programme proceeds as planned.
"In addition, practices will need to write to patients in the priority groups at least twice to invite them for the two vaccinations, and this payment will help to offset these costs," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
Yesterday, the NI Health Minister said that he expects to have sufficient vaccine for all those in the initial priority groups by the end of November.
"I anticipate a license being granted in October," he told the Assembly, noting a UK-wide deal has been agreed with the General Practitioner's Committee regarding administration of the vaccine this autumn.
"We have agreed that GPs will receive £5.25 per dose of vaccine given and that district nurses will assist by vaccinating the housebound in line with existing seasonal flu arrangements.
"I am grateful to GPs for their willingness to take on this major vaccination programme. I am satisfied that their co-operation represents value for money in delivering the programme.
"Preparations will now begin for GPs to immunise the priority groups once the vaccine is licensed," he said.
Commenting, Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland GP committee said: "GPs in Northern Ireland are pleased that agreement has now been reached regarding the pandemic flu vaccination programme.
"We can now start the process of ensuring the vaccination of priority groups, including frontline healthcare staff, once the vaccine has been approved and we have received it," he said.
On the fee, the top doctor explained that GPs will not make profit from the payment.
"It has been agreed with government that GP practices throughout the four nations will receive £5.25 per dose of vaccine.
"This fee was agreed as it will cover the expenses incurred by practices in administering the vaccination programme.
"This payment per dose of vaccine will be used, for example, to pay for staff to work extra hours as necessary to ensure that the vaccination programme proceeds as planned.
"In addition, practices will need to write to patients in the priority groups at least twice to invite them for the two vaccinations, and this payment will help to offset these costs," he said.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
12 October 2021
Dept Of Health Details Winter Vaccination Programme
Northern Ireland's winter vaccination programme has been detailed by the Department of Health. The Covid vaccination programme is continuing, alongside the new booster programme, and this year's flu vaccination drive has now gotten underway.
Dept Of Health Details Winter Vaccination Programme
Northern Ireland's winter vaccination programme has been detailed by the Department of Health. The Covid vaccination programme is continuing, alongside the new booster programme, and this year's flu vaccination drive has now gotten underway.
10 August 2023
PHA Issues HPV Vaccination Reminder For Year 9 Pupils
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a reminder to parents of children entering Year 9 in September, that they will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the first school term. This year teenagers will only require a single HPV jab, following updated advice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
PHA Issues HPV Vaccination Reminder For Year 9 Pupils
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a reminder to parents of children entering Year 9 in September, that they will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the first school term. This year teenagers will only require a single HPV jab, following updated advice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
17 November 2021
Ministers Discussing Introduction Of Mandatory Vaccine Passports
The Executive has met today to discuss the proposed introduction of mandatory vaccine passports. However, according to reports, Ministers have received a 'modelling paper' ahead of the meeting highlighting that more "tougher" restrictions may need to be introduced to avoid overwhelming hospitals.
Ministers Discussing Introduction Of Mandatory Vaccine Passports
The Executive has met today to discuss the proposed introduction of mandatory vaccine passports. However, according to reports, Ministers have received a 'modelling paper' ahead of the meeting highlighting that more "tougher" restrictions may need to be introduced to avoid overwhelming hospitals.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
