With the publication of the service specification and Patient Group Direction (PGD) for the community pharmacy Flu Vaccination Advanced Service 2016/17, pharmacy contractors can now access information on what they must do to offer this year's service. 

The documents list required areas such as:

• Confirming that patients are appropriate
• Pharmacist training and Declaration of Competence requirements
• Data capture and sharing of information
• Vaccine storage
• Gaining patient consent
• GP notification
• Claiming payments.

The service specification and PGD should be read alongside the PSNC's service guidance. Contractors should note that, while these documents can be used to help prepare for delivering the service, they will not be able to begin carrying it out until amendments to The Pharmaceutical Services (Advanced and Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2013 (the Directions) have been made – these will provide the legal basis for service provision.

It is expected that the NHS will shortly confirm that it has taken the final steps to allow the service to begin. Contractors can check psnc.org.uk/flu for further updates.