A pilot programme in the East of England tested delivering RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccinations for older adults in pharmacies. This provided some initial information and highlighted additional questions about this service model that needed to be explored
Based on this, the programme is expanding to involve more CPs in the Midlands, North West, and London. UKHSA, on behalf of the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) has commissioned an evaluation to guide future rollout of this pharmacy-based model, if it is found to be effective.
Project aims:
This evaluation looks at how offering RSV vaccines through pharmacies—alongside GP services—in the Midlands, North West, and London may affect:
- How many people get vaccinated
- The costs involved in vaccine delivery
- Experiences of pharmacies, the public and other service providers
- Effects on health inequalities
The results will help shape plans for any potential future roll out of a community pharmacy model for delivering vaccinations.
What we hope to achieve:
Measure how the community pharmacy delivery model (CPDM) affects RSV vaccine delivery and uptake in eligible groups.
Compare the cost per vaccine delivered—including both direct and indirect costs—of giving RSV vaccines to 75–79-year-olds in pharmacies versus GP practices.
Explore the views and experiences of key groups—such as patients, commissioners, pharmacists, and GPs—on how the pharmacy model is being implemented and wider impacts.
Understand whether pharmacies can reach people or groups who otherwise would not be vaccinated, to reduce health inequalities.
Lead researchers
- Professor Katy Turner (UKHSA)
- Professor Charles Beck (UKHSA)
- Chris Penfold (UKHSA)
- Dr Alexandra Creavin
- Dr Sarah Denford
- Professor Hannah Christensen
- Dr Josephine Walker
- Dr Yoko Laurence
- Dr Tracey Chantler (LSHTM)
