370: NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 18 December 2025

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 18 December 2025, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Summary of main themes

This edition addresses several critical topics affecting healthcare professionals, including updates on the flu vaccination campaign, consultation outcomes on dental reform, as well as the seasonal vaccination service specification for community pharmacies. Additional topics touch upon industrial action affecting medical residents and a range of wellbeing resources for NHS staff.

Mise à jour sur les soins primaires

Thank you to all our colleagues

NHS England expresses gratitude to all primary care staff for their unwavering efforts throughout 2025. As the festive period approaches, the organisation wishes all healthcare teams and their families a happy and healthy new year.

Industrial action by resident doctors

Resident doctors are currently engaging in five days of industrial action, which began on 18 December and concludes on 22 December 2025. General practice may also be impacted, and it is essential to inform patients that they should seek care as required. Routine services continue, with patients encouraged to visit 111 online or call 111 for assistance, and to dial 999 for life-threatening emergencies. Detailed information regarding NHS preparations for this industrial action is available online: NHS preparations for industrial action.

Flu update

Primary care teams are commended for their efforts in administering winter vaccinations during a critical time for the NHS, with flu-related hospital admissions reaching unprecedented levels. It is advised that patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms receive timely prescriptions for antiviral medication, like Tamiflu, to mitigate risks of complications. Additional resources for managing influenza can be found here: Scenario: Treating influenza | Management | Influenza - seasonal | CKS | NICE.

NHS flu vaccine stock availability

Practices are reminded that there is still ample stock available for ordering for the NHS flu vaccination programme. Providers should ensure they order sufficient doses and maintain appointment availability. Ordering details are as follows:

• Sanofi TIV-HDOnline: VaxiShopPhone: 0800 854430Email: GB-vaccinecustomerservices@sanofi.comNo minimum order; 48-hour delivery.

• CSL Seqirus – aTIV and TIVcOnline: flu360.co.ukPhone: 0845 745 1500Email: service.uk@seqirus.comMinimum 20 doses; 48-hour delivery.

Additionally, pharmacies should update their service information on NHS Profile Manager to facilitate patient access.

Infection Prevention and Control guidance

Local Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) pathways are critical to managing the spread of respiratory infections. Healthcare professionals are urged to review these pathways and promote the use of face masks where appropriate. For comprehensive IPC guidance, refer to the national IPC control manual.

COVID-19 vaccination programme updates

As the COVID-19 vaccination campaign approaches its conclusion, recent updates outline strategies to reduce vaccine wastage and support future campaigns. The following key dates are highlighted:

• 30 January 2026: National Booking Service (NBS) bookings close.

• 31 January 2026: Last day to administer COVID-19 vaccines.

• 30 March 2026: Last day to administer flu vaccines.

Site teams must implement the latest guidance to prepare for closing activities. For more insights on the vaccination campaign, visit the site campaign guide.

Survey for COVID-19 vaccination campaign feedback

Vaccination providers are invited to participate in a survey by 8 January 2026, aimed at shaping future COVID-19 vaccination logistics. Insights gathered will enhance supply chain efficiency for upcoming campaigns. The survey is accessible here.

Winter wellbeing support for staff

NHS staff wellbeing is prioritised, with numerous resources now available to support physical and mental health needs during winter. A confidential 24/7 text support service is also provided, accessible by texting SHOUT to 85258. More information can be found on the NHS England website.

Dentistry updates

Dental reform consultation outcome report

NHS England has outlined the results of the dental reform consultation following positive responses. Changes aimed at enhancing care delivery include:

• Embedding unscheduled care within dental contracts with increased payments for providers.

• Introducing new clinical and payment structures for intensive treatments.

• Expanding cost-effective preventive measures for children.

• Implementing new payment structures for denture modifications.

• Focusing on quality improvement through funded appraisals.

Workshops will occur in January 2026 to detail contract changes, with publication of additional guidance expected in February 2026. Implementation of these changes is scheduled for April 2026. For detailed information, read the letter to dental commissioners here.

Urgent dental care incentive scheme update

Updates to the urgent dental care incentive scheme include an extended sign-up deadline to 19 December and removal of the incentive payment cap. The scheme encourages dental providers to offer more unscheduled care, aiming to provide 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments this financial year. More details are available in the letter here.

Mises à jour sur la médecine générale

Change in pneumococcal vaccine

A bipartite letter has been published detailing a shift in the pneumococcal vaccination programme from PPV23 to PCV20 for at-risk children and adults. The letter provides implementation details for this transition and can be accessed here.

OpenSAFELY platform recognition

The University of Oxford’s OpenSAFELY platform has received the Queen Elizabeth prize for higher and further education for its impactful research capabilities using NHS GP patient data. Practices not currently using the platform are encouraged to activate it by following the guidelines here.

NHS cervical screening programme resources

New digital-first communication resources for the NHS cervical screening programme are now available. Designed for digital and print use, they aid providers in disseminating important screening information. Access these resources on Futures.

Learning sessions on the People Promise

Upcoming learning sessions focused on embedding the NHS People Promise within general practice will provide practical tools and advice. Dates and registration links can be found here.

Mise à jour des pharmacies communautaires

2026/27 seasonal vaccination service specification

The 2026/27 seasonal vaccination service specification combining COVID-19 and adult influenza vaccinations has been published. Contractors may sign up for adult influenza only if preferred. Key changes, funding details, and deadlines are included in the letter available here.

Early career pharmacist supervisor resource library

A new early career pharmacist supervisor resource library has been launched to support newly qualified pharmacists. Visit the Futures page for further details.

S'impliquer

Green Social Prescribing evidence review

A systematic evidence review from the National Academy for Social Prescribing highlights how nature-based interventions can benefit individuals with long-term conditions. The review is available for reading here.

Care Closer to Home Conference 2026

Bookings are now open for the Care Closer to Home Conference on 24 February 2026 in London. This event will unite health leaders to discuss integrated care solutions. Details can be found here.

Defibrillator registration reminder

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to verify that defibrillators are registered on The Circuit, ensuring they are ready for immediate use during emergencies, especially during the festive season.

Prochains webinaires et événements

Join the following webinars and events:

• 12 Jan 2026, 12.30pm – 1.45pm: Communicating Vaccines webinar registration.

• 14 Jan 2026, 12–1pm: General Practice Staff Survey Learning Session.

• 22 Jan 2026, 12–1pm: GP Developing Case Studies Session.

• 3 Feb 2026: Infection Prevention & Resilience event.

• 10–11 June: ConfedExpo.

Rattraper le retard

Recent national webinar slides and recordings can be found here.

Content in this article is drawn from the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin. Patient.info edits and formats the updates to provide a clear, accessible archive for professionals.View the original email here.