EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Prescription of Drugs etc.) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/629).
Regulation 2 amends Schedule 2 so the description of persons in respect of which Oseltamivir and Zanamivir may be ordered is widened and also to clarify the description of patients for whom both drugs may be ordered. The description of patients is widened so as to include pregnant patients and is also widened so those patients at clinical risk include those who have chronic liver disease and chronic neurological disease. The conditions which have to be met before both drugs are ordered are also amended. Oseltamivir may be ordered for patients who are aged 1 year and older who are at clinical risk. In the case of Zanamivir, that drug may be ordered for patients aged 5 years or over who are at clinical risk. In the case of a patient who has attained the age of 5 years but not the age of 13 years, Zanamivir may only be ordered if therapy can start within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms and in the case of patients aged 13 years or over, therapy can start within 48 hours.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for the instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sector is foreseen.