All frontline health and social care workers should get the winter flu vaccination — including all Personal Assistants (PAs). For the first time, this year, PAs will be able to access the vaccine free of charge from GPs and community pharmacies, via the NHS Complementary Scheme. This vaccination is available now. (Local availability may vary).
 
To access the scheme, PAs will simply need to attend a GP surgery or community pharmacy and identify themselves as a PA. However, we are aware that individuals have been asked to provide proof in the past, and we have therefore provided a letter that can be used for identification, as attached available here.

The process for PAs to access the flu vaccination, is as follows:

1. Above is a letter for printing.
2. The direct payment holder, as employer, will fill out this letter, to prove they employ the PA. Once the PA has this, this will act as their ‘letter of entitlement’ to the vaccination.
3. They will then need to visit their local GP or community pharmacist, who will be able to give them the flu vaccination. If they need to prove their entitlement, they can use the letter of entitlement and a copy of this guidance (when published)
4. The vaccination will then be given to them, free of charge.

Information regarding access to the Flu jab for Personal Assistants in the rest of the UK. 

• Wales -  https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/beat-flu/health-and-care-workers/
• Northern Ireland - https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/flu-vaccination-programme-extended-now-more-important-ever-get-it
• Scotland - https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/flu-vaccine