Key Summary
- In the RSV early adopter programme, 37 pharmacies participated and administered a total of 8,900 vaccine doses.
- These pharmacies were situated across two integrated care boards in the East of England.
- The aim is to test the potential for using pharmacies as a supplementary service to improve vaccine uptake.
The aim of the ‘early adopters’ was to test the potential for using pharmacies as a supplementary service to improve vaccine uptake and to address potential issues in relation to access and equity.
In autumn 2024, NHS England had commissioned 50 ‘early-adopter’ community pharmacies (CPs) across two integrated care boards (ICBs) in the East of England (EoE) to supplement RSV vaccination for older adults and pregnant women.
Following a tender process, 37 pharmacies participated and administered a total of 8,900 RSV vaccine doses, around 12 percent of all RSV vaccinations delivered across the two pilot ICBs, between 1 October 2024 and 20 February 2025.
Three rapid evaluations were conducted to assess the feasibility and impact of the ‘early adopter’ CPs.
The first two evaluations - an After-Action Review (AAR), and an Early-Programme (Process) Evaluation - were commissioned by NHS England, while a third - a Geographic Accessibility and Coverage Analysis - was undertaken by UKHSA.
The throughput per pharmacy (241 doses) was closely aligned with that of GP practices (266 doses per practice).
Harrison said, “We welcome UKHSA’s evaluation of the RSV early adopter programme, which provides further evidence of the important role community pharmacy plays in extending the reach of NHS vaccination services.
"The pilot highlights the considerable potential of community pharmacy. Achieving this level of impact on short notice is impressive. Even greater benefits could be realised with expanded commissioning, a longer lead-in, and time for services to fully embed.
"Pharmacy-led vaccination programmes have the potential to deliver substantial benefits, particularly by improving access and addressing inequalities amongst underserved communities.
"The government should build on the impact demonstrated in this pilot and commission community pharmacies to administer a whole range of NHS vaccinations.”
RSV is a common cause of respiratory infections, particularly during the winter months, and spreads through large droplets and direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals.
Although RSV typically results in mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and children (aged under six months) it can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia and require hospitalisation.
RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality around the world and a main cause of child hospitalisations every year.
Since September 2024, RSV vaccination has been available to older adults as they turn 75 years of age, but from April onwards, it will be extended to include adults aged 80 years and over, with no upper age limit, and all residents in care homes for older adults.
Pregnant women from 28 weeks onwards can get vaccinated for RSV to protect their children.
