DHSC Updates

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): vaccination for older adults – updated resources

Earlier this month, the NHS announced that it was inviting around 1.3 million older people to get the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Invites have been issued to people not yet vaccinated against RSV who are aged 75-79 or turned 80 after 1 September 2024, encouraging them to book an appointment with their GP.

On Thursday 20 February the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England published updated resources on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the benefits of vaccination to promote the vaccination to older adults.

The guidance now includes translated versions of the RSV guide. Announcement here. Guidance here. Translated versions of the guide here.

• Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

The Department of Health and Social Care provides funding for learning and development for the adult social care workforce, via the new Learning and Development Support Scheme.

The funding is being delivered via a new online claims service, administered by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).

In order to submit claims, you must have an account on the online claims service. To set up an account, sign up here via this short form. Once you’ve completed the survey, NHSBSA will contact you as soon as possible to book an onboarding appointment, and will support you to set up an account and submit your first claims. For this financial year, the deadline for claim submission is Friday 21 March (inclusive). Guidance here.

• Flu Vaccine Offer 2025 to 2026

The national flu immunisation programme 2025 to 2026 letter published on Thursday 13th February sets out guidance for flu vaccination for the 2025 to 2026 season.

The letter confirms that there are no changes to the eligible cohorts and that the offer of a flu vaccination for certain adult social care workers is also the same as last year.

Further details on eligibility and the operation of the programme are included in the letter.

The programme is expected to start in October, with the majority of the vaccinations to be completed by the end of November, so that individuals are vaccinated for optimal protection during the highest risk period. Further communications will be announced in advance of the start of the programme. Correspondence here.

• Supported Housing regulation: consultation

Proposals for implementing measures in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 and changes to Housing Benefit Regulations. Consultation closes at 11:59pm on 15 May 2025. Details here.