December 14th 2023

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Flu antivirals can now be reimbursed

Endorse prescriptions SLS

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced  that due to increasing flu levels in the community, antiviral medicines (oseltamivir and zanamivir) can now be prescribed for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza at NHS expense. This is in accordance with NICE guidance, and Schedule 2 to the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts (Prescription of drugs etc) Regulations 2004), commonly known as the Grey List or Selected List Scheme (SLS).

Prescriptions for patients in clinical at-risk groups as well as those who are at risk of severe illness and/or complications from flu if not treated should be endorsed SLS by the prescriber. Prescriptions not so endorsed will not be paid.