The first stop for professional medicines advice

Guidance

Post-administration observation requirements for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
Advice on post-vaccination observation requirements in all settings
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine: Answers to Questions25 January 2021
Post-administration observation requirements for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Advice on post-vaccination observation requirements in all delivery settings
AstraZeneca Vaccine: Answers to Questions25 January 2021
Issues to consider when defrosting the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine must be defrosted before use. This page gives guidance on considerations whilst thawing the vaccine.
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine: Answers to Questions25 January 2021
Using Versapak PYTB2 coolbox for vaccine storage
Information and guidance on the use of Versapak PYTB2 Coolbox. Refers to storage for all vaccines across all care settings.
All vaccines: Handling in any location24 January 2021
Dealing with delivery issues associated with the Covid-19 vaccines and consumables
Specific supply chain routes have been set up for both vaccine, and equipment and consumables. Dedicated service desks handle issues.
Trusts22 January 2021
Using COVID-19 vaccines in patient taking immunosuppressive medicines
National advice and considerations on the use of this vaccine in patients taking immunosuppressive medicines
All vaccines: Answers to Questions22 January 2021
Care Homes and COVID-19: Oxygen management
Home oxygen therapy is commonly used in care homes by patients with underlying lung conditions. In the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there may be an increased…
Oxygen gas21 January 2021
Retention of Pharmacy Records
Summary The 2020 version of the retention of pharmacy records document is now available. Purpose This document, based on one first generated at the request…
Regulatory20 January 2021
Antimicrobial Patient Group Direction (PGD) Templates
Antimicrobial PGD templates support the use of medicines in line with national guidance, reducing variation and duplication to improve consistency of care.
Patient Group Directions20 January 2021
Reporting suspected COVID-19 vaccine side effects, and potential product defects or counterfeit products
Advice on reporting suspected side effects to COVID-19 vaccines. Also correct mechanisms for reporting suspected defective products and counterfeit products.
All vaccines: Answers to Questions14 January 2021
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Patient Group Directions

Antimicrobial Patient Group Direction (PGD) Templates
Antimicrobial PGD templates support the use of medicines in line with national guidance, reducing variation and duplication to improve consistency of care.
Patient Group Directions20 January 2021
Delegation of supply or administration of medicines using a PGD
This page explains why delegation of supply or administration using a PGD is not possible.
Patient Group Directions15 December 2020
When to use a PGD
This page provides a clear process to help colleagues consider when a PGD is required.
Patient Group Directions15 December 2020
Using a single PGD to supply or administer medicines at more than one location
Summary A single PGD can be used to supply or administer medicines to patients in their own homes or in more than one location. PGDs…
Patient Group Directions15 December 2020
Unlicensed medicines and use of PGDs
This page clarifies why a PGD is illegal for unlicensed medicines - note exceptions under Regulation 174 below
Unlicensed medicines15 December 2020
Doctors, dentists, and use of PGDs
Doctors and dentists cannot supply or administer medications under a PGD or Written Instruction.  This page gives further detail on why this is the case.
Trusts15 December 2020
An introduction to PGDs: definitions and examples of use
This page explains what a Patient Group Direction (PGD) is and describes how they are used in clinical practice.
Patient Group Directions13 December 2020
PGD Learning Event 2021
We are sorry to let you know that our PGD Webex events scheduled for the 27th January, 2nd February and 10th February 2021 are postponed. …
Webinars
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Administration

Post-administration observation requirements for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
Advice on post-vaccination observation requirements in all settings
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine: Answers to Questions25 January 2021
Post-administration observation requirements for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Advice on post-vaccination observation requirements in all delivery settings
AstraZeneca Vaccine: Answers to Questions25 January 2021
Administration information for AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine
Information on batch specific dosing and withdrawing an additional dose from an individual vaccine vial is given.
AstraZeneca Vaccine: Answers to Questions13 January 2021
Administration information for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
Information on batch specific dosing and withdrawing an additional dose from an individual vial is given.
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine: Answers to Questions13 January 2021
Use of gravity infusions and bolus injections in adults during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, use of gravity infusions and bolus injections for intravenous use may be more necessary than normal. Gravity infusion sets may be…
COVID-19 Medicines Optimisation: Information and resources5 January 2021
Institutional Readiness for Management of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine in Trusts
Must read guidance for Chief Pharmacists and others in Trusts on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
AstraZeneca Vaccine: Handling in Trusts31 December 2020
Dealing with spillages and breakages of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine at PCN designated sites
Standard Operating Procedure for PCN designated sites for dealing with spillages or breakages of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
AstraZeneca Vaccine: Handling in PCNs31 December 2020
Institutional Readiness for Management of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Trusts
Must read guidance for Chief Pharmacists and others in Trusts on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine: Handling in Trusts24 December 2020
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