| Weekly News Digest - 16th July 2026 |
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Meningococcal B (MenB) Vaccination Service launches on 20th July 2026, pharmacy contractors have one week left to register. Registration must be completed by 20th July, with a separate registration required for each pharmacy site. As this is a time-limited vaccination programme, registrations received after the deadline will not be accepted and pharmacies will not be able to provide the service. Click here.
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| Pharmacy owners signed up to provide the service are advised to read the guidance as soon as possible to ensure they can order and receive their first allocation of vaccines. CPE have issued a further MenB Vac update please read the latest information here. |
REMINDER: HepB VaccinationAll pharmacy contractors and staff delivering flu, COVID‑19 or MenB vaccinations must ensure their Hepatitis B vaccination is up to date before providing any of these services. |
Temperature management for medicines storageWith the continuing hot weather understanding why temperature management is important for medicines storage is important. Temperature changes can affect medicines. Learn to manage temperature and act when temperature is outside the intended range. Click here. |
Flu Vaccination: National Booking ServiceThe National Booking Service (NBS) will open earlier than in previous years, from 17th August 2026 until 31st March 2027, following feedback from pharmacy owners. |
| The latest edition of the Thames Valley Prescribing newsletter is now available for download. |
Pharmacy owners can now claim the PQS 2026/27 Aspiration payment via the MYS portal. The payment is optional and doesn’t affect eligibility for the main PQS claim. Those wishing to claim must review the PQS 2026/27 domains and submit their Aspiration declaration in MYS between 13–28 July 2026, with payments made on 1 September 2026.
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The results of the Pressures Survey is now available. Contractors are encouraged to review the full findings in the briefing note, which outlines the implications for the sector and the urgent need for Government support to prevent further service reductions or closures. Community pharmacies across England continue to face significant financial, operational and workforce pressures; persistent medicines shortages and rising patient demand are placing sustained strain on services as evidenced in the Pharmacy Pressures Survey 2026.
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Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework (CPAF) screening questionnaire Pharmacy contractors will shortly receive confirmation from NHSBSA that the CPAF screening questionnaire which opens on 1 July 2026 with a completion deadline of 31 July. Contractors should complete the questionnaire via the MYS portal; those without MYS access will receive email instructions to complete it online. Completion is mandatory, and responses will determine which contractors are selected for the full CPAF survey and potential contract monitoring visits. |
Action your Unpaid items on the MYS portalUnpaid items are only retained on MYS for 18 months from the date they are first returned for action. After this point, any unresolved items are deleted from the system and cannot be reclaimed. Pharmacy teams should regularly check the Unpaid items tab on MYS and ensure all outstanding items are completed and returned promptly to the NHSBSA for payment. Read more. |
| There have been a few cases recently of overuse of the service by patients going to multiple pharmacies to obtain repeat medication. Community Pharmacy England briefing on the urgent supply of medicines and appliances strand of Pharmacy First has been published previously. Please read to refresh your responsibility and accountabilities when delivering the service. |
Stay informed with the Pharmacy Academy podcast channel, a great source for weekly updates on essential pharmacy topics, powered by insights from NHS, CPE, and PGD guidance and AI generated for clarity. Stay connected, enhance your expertise, and dive into key pharmacy discussions—all in one place.
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Tune into this week's podcast! |
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Pharmacy Regulations: Opening Hours CPE will be hosting a webinar on the regulatory provisions and issues around pharmacy core and supplementary opening hours. The session will explain the current requirements, notifications and applications, market entry issues around opening hours, explain how ICBs and NHS Resolution are assessing applications/appeals, and provide practical guidance on the evidence to include with applications. Join online, Monday 20th July 2026, 7.30-9pm Book here |
| Mindset Matters is back this September with Owning Your Expertise — a confidence‑building session designed to help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians strengthen their professional voice. This practical, reflective workshop will support you to recognise your value and help to articulate your expertise. The event will be held at Meadow Suite, University of Reading, RG6 6UA on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 10am–4pm (lunch provided). Book your place using this booking link |
| Newly Qualified & Foundation Pharmacists – Book Your Place! A dedicated clinical development session for Newly Qualified and Foundation Pharmacists will run on Monday 28 September, 9am–1pm, at: St Joseph’s Church (Main Hall) 36 Cookham Rd Maidenhead SL6 7EG (Parking available) There are 9 places available. To book, email: office@cptv.org.uk. Please note - Non attendance will incur a £100 fee. |
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