News | COVID-19

News

Government advisers recommend further COVID-19 vaccine boosters for vulnerable patients

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended that a spring booster should be offered to adults aged over 75 years, people living in care homes for older adults, and anyone aged five years and over who is immunosuppressed.…

Published: 7 March 2023

News

Give prescribers access to non-drug alternatives to antidepressants and opioids, says NHS

In a new framework, NHS England recommends alternative treatment options, such as psychotherapy, health coaching and pain or sleep clinics, are commissioned locally.…

Published: 2 March 2023

News

NICE alters guidance on COVID-19 treatments as manufacturer withdraws marketing authorisation application

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence said the guidance has changed because Eli Lily is no longer seeking a marketing authorisation for baricitinib (Olumiant).…

Published: 21 February 2023

Opinion

How COVID-19 affected pharmacy supply of antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections

Learnings from a community pharmacy patient group direction service for the management of suspected urinary tract infections, which identified prescribing patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic.…

Published: 20 February 2023

News

NHS loses £16m in COVID-19 loans after ‘significant number’ of pharmacy closures

An urgent uplift to advance payments was meant to "support pharmacies with their cashflow pressures", but hundreds have closed.…

Published: 2 February 2023

News

Government advisers recommend autumn COVID-19 boosters for people at most risk

An extra booster dose may also be offered in the spring for smaller groups, such as people who are immunocompromised or of older age.…

Published: 26 January 2023

Opinion

How attending a summer school on the impact of COVID-19 influenced my practice

A summer school shed light on experiences of COVID-19 in other European countries, leading Shane Kailla to take home some valuable lessons about how he approaches his own pharmacy practice and career.…

Published: 16 January 2023

News

Nearly three-quarters of pharmacy staff considered leaving profession in the past year, finds RPS survey

The proportion of pharmacy staff who have thought about leaving their role or the profession has significantly increased over the past year, from 32% in 2021 to 73% in 2022.…

Published: 12 January 2023

Feature

Next-generation antivirals: targeting COVID-19

Many of the antivirals trumpeted as turning points in the COVID-19 pandemic have not proved as effective as first expected, but researchers are hoping that a second generation of antivirals will provide better protection — with fewer side effects.…

Published: 12 January 2023

Feature

Everything you need to know about the COVID-19 therapy trials

There are thousands of clinical trials investigating treatments and preventative measures for COVID-19.…

Published: 11 January 2023