Tensions have been building between GPs and pharmacists in recent weeks over concerns that offering flu vaccinations in pharmacies will be financially detrimental to GP practices and leave them with a surplus of wasted vaccines.

As discussed in Pharmacy Magazine, it has even gone so far as some doctors’ surgeries appearing to display a poster entitled ‘Support Your General Practice’, which encourages patients to have their flu vaccination at the practice and not a pharmacy.

Commenting on these reported conflicts between GPs and pharmacists, Laura Reed, Numark’s service development manager says: “Although some GPs have expressed concerns about being left with extra vaccines and losing money, it is worth bearing in mind that pharmacy-based flu vaccinations often target patients who wouldn’t normally visit their GP, they offer a professional service at the same time as being easily accessible in terms of location and opening hours.

“Any cases where GP practices are giving misleading information to patients are unacceptable and just go to widen the gap between the two professions. If pharmacists experience issues I would always recommend they talk to the practice in person and raise their concerns – they should also involve their local LPC who can then raise the issue with the LMC and NHS England (if required).

“However, relationships between GPs and pharmacists will still need to be maintained long after the flu season has finished. At the end of the day we are all working towards a common goal of reaching the minimum 75 per cent uptake rate. High vaccination rates are key to preventing the spread of flu and protecting those most at risk. Surely this should be a joint goal not a division.”