From 1 May 2026, GPs in Northern Ireland will be able to prescribe oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) throughout the year under standard Health and Social Care (HSC) prescription processes, following the Health and Personal Social Services (General Medical Services Contracts) (Prescription of Drugs Etc) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026. The rule was laid under the negative resolution procedure on 1 April 2026. (niassembly.gov.uk)
The instrument amends Schedule 2 to the 2004 Regulations by removing the notification requirement that previously limited orders of these antivirals to periods when influenza was declared to be circulating. With that restriction lifted, year‑round prescribing is permitted provided the remaining patient conditions in column 2 continue to be met. (niassembly.gov.uk)
The Department of Health told the Assembly’s Health Committee that the change is intended to prevent delays in access for vulnerable patients during out‑of‑season outbreaks, reflecting wider availability of diagnostic testing and lessons from the Covid‑19 response. (niassembly.gov.uk)
Under the prior arrangements described by the Department, HSC prescriptions for oseltamivir and zanamivir were enabled only when the Chief Medical Officer notified GPs that influenza was circulating; once surveillance returned to baseline, a further communication withdrew that permission. The amendment removes reliance on that seasonal trigger. (niassembly.gov.uk)
For prescribers, the practical effect from 1 May is that a CMO ‘flu circulating’ notice will no longer be required. Prescribing decisions must still follow the patient and indication criteria set out in column 2 of Schedule 2; the Department highlights improved diagnostic testing as part of the rationale for change. (niassembly.gov.uk)
For community pharmacies, supply will proceed against HSC prescriptions as usual. The Business Services Organisation’s Drug Tariff notes that chemist contractors are under no obligation to supply a scheduled drug ordered erroneously and may refer back to the prescriber where the stated circumstances are not met. (bso.hscni.net)
The Department’s explanatory memorandum records minimal financial effects and confirms no requirement for a full equality impact assessment, rural needs assessment or business impact assessment. No adverse implications under section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 were identified. (niassembly.gov.uk)
Targeted engagement indicated stakeholder support. Respondents including the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland, ABPI NI, Community Pharmacy NI, the NI General Practitioners Committee and BMA NI were content with the proposed amendments. (niassembly.gov.uk)
The Department also notes that this approach aligns Northern Ireland with changes implemented in England from 1 October 2025 that allow off‑season prescribing of oseltamivir and zanamivir. The Assembly record shows SR 2026/72 was laid on 1 April 2026, with the statutory period ending on 18 May 2026. (niassembly.gov.uk)