NHS Digital has expanded its electronic flu notifications service, which is based on our pharmacy information standard and ensures that information about flu vaccinations can be shared digitally by pharmacies with GP practices.

Last year, a new service using electronic notifications to inform GP practices when a patient has a flu vaccination at a pharmacy was launched, saving time for GP practices and pharmacies. The service helps to improve data quality and reduces the duplication of invitations for vaccinations.

Electronic notifications have now been introduced for pharmacies and GP practices using Sonar and EMIS Web, following the service launch with PharmOutcomes and TPP SystmOne last year. With more providers using the service, a greater number of flu vaccination notifications will be transmitted this flu season. This is especially important while we continue to battle the pandemic, as more people are being offered an NHS flu vaccine.

Because details can be added to a patient’s medical record as soon as a notification is received, information will be more up to date. This will help to make sure patients who have already had a flu vaccine at a community pharmacy are not contacted unnecessarily to arrange an appointment.

Dr Simon Eccles, chief clinical information officer and deputy chief executive of NHSX, said: “This is an excellent example of how to solve a national problem by building on existing technology. This change will greatly improve care for patients by ensuring their family doctor and team are kept informed of their flu vaccinations.”