News » Political News » Dispensing practice exclusion raised by thought-leader
June 29th 2026
An e-letter from health commentator Roy Lilley raises questions whether dispensing GPs were considered in the planning of the new Meningitis B vaccination programme.
In this, he asks: “Were the needs of patients who receive their dispensing services from dispensing doctors, as they are remote from community pharmacy premises, considered?”
The new MenB vac service which is due to commence on 20 July 2026, is only being commissioned from community pharmacies. Payment will be a one-off £300 payment, if at least one vaccination is administered, plus £10.06 per vaccine administered.
The programme is targeted to protect young people heading to universities or residential further education settings ahead of the start of term in autumn 2026.
Reflecting the content of a Freedom of Information Act request asked by the DDA, Lilley also asks: “Did the DHSC/NHSE consider extending this program to dispensing doctors to ensure max-uptake (sic) and convenience for patients?”
He describes GPs as the most logical place for the vaccinations to be delivered, enabling management of the follow-up vaccination.
He also questions whether any health impact equality assessment has been conducted on the decision to award the Meningitis B vaccination program to community pharmacies.
