Publication of North East London Influenza Antiviral Outbreak Management Pathway
Dear Public Health Colleagues,
I am writing to notify you of the publication of the updated North East London Influenza Antiviral Outbreak Management Pathway (Version 4.0), which has now been approved through the relevant medicines governance processes and is available for implementation across North East London.
The pathway sets out the arrangements for the clinical assessment, prescribing, supply and governance of antiviral medicines in response to localised community outbreaks of influenza across NEL, including care homes, supported living settings, , hostels and other community residential settings.
Key updates within this version include:
- Alignment with the October 2025 legislative changes, which removed seasonal restrictions on the prescribing and dispensing of oseltamivir and zanamivir, enabling access to antivirals throughout the year.
- Updated references to current UKHSA guidance on influenza treatment and prophylaxis.
- Removal of historical COVID-19 references.
- Expanded guidance regarding prescribing for individuals with renal impairment, including reference to recommendations from the British Geriatrics Society.
- Updated commissioned provider and contact information across North East London.
The pathway has been developed to support a timely, coordinated response to influenza outbreaks and clarifies the roles of providers, UKHSA, the ICB and Barts Health NHS Trust in the assessment and supply process. Given the importance of effective outbreak management, I would be grateful if you could share this document with relevant colleagues within your local authority public health teams and any associated services that may be involved in the identification and management of influenza outbreaks in community settings.
Should you have any comments or questions regarding the pathway, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards
Alanna
Alanna Johnston
Lead Medicines Optimisation pharmacist Vaccines and Immunisation
Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation Team
NHS North East London
20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ