Flu – Antiviral Prescription Authorisation Withdrawn

The Chief Medical and Pharmaceutical Officers for England have circulated the following message to Prescribers & Community Pharmacists:

The most recent surveillance data from Public Health England (PHE) indicates that circulation  of influenza in the community has returned to baseline levels.

GPs and other prescribers working in primary care should no longer prescribe antiviral medicines, for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza on an FP10 prescription form. Community pharmacists should no longer supply antiviral medicines in primary care, on presentation of an FP10 prescription form.

The notice also reminds commissioners of arrangements for prescribing antiviral medicines for localised community outbreaks out of the flu season.