GPs make deals with local NHS to vaccinate children against swine flu

GPs in London and the north east of England have reached agreements with local NHS bodies to vaccinate children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years against swine flu, after the BMA failed to make a national deal with the government.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing on swine flu, Ian Dalton, national director for NHS flu resilience, said that GPs recognise the clinical importance of vaccinating young children and were making local deals with their primary care organisations.

In a deal between all London primary care trusts and the capital’s strategic health authority, NHS London, GPs will be paid £5.25 (€5.80; $8.50) for every child they vaccinate, the same as they get for delivering the vaccine …