Changes to the COVID-19 test kit distribution service

The current COVID-19 test kit distribution service has been extended until 3 October 2021. An amended COVID-19 test kit distribution service will begin from 4 October 2021. As part of the changes, people wanting a kit will be asked to register on gov.uk or via 119 for a collect code to pick up test kits.

To support this change, resources have been produced for pharmacies which consist of A3 and A4 posters, and A5 leaflets.  These will be delivered by DX between w/c 6 September and 13 September and will be clearly marked as NHS Test and Trace.  Please display these from Monday 13 September onwards. If you do not receive delivery by 15 September, please contact PharmacyCollect@dhsc.gov.uk

The URL on the resources will be live from Monday 13 September and people wanting a kit will be able to register for the collect code from 1 October.

Additional resources will be available on the Coronavirus Campaign Resource Centre from 13 September at: www.coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/pharmacy-collect. This includes suggested copy for social media and additional posters translated into 12 languages.

The majority of community pharmacies are registered to provide the existing service. Pharmacy contractors do not need to re-register to provide the updated service. Existing registration will carry forward, but existing contractors must adopt the new Service requirements from 4 October 2021 unless they decide to stop providing the Service. New contractors will need to meet the requirements of the revised service spec and sign up to the Service by completing a registration declaration through the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.

More information on the changes to the service is available within the updated Service Specification which will also be available on the NHS BSA website.

NHS Test and Trace will be sending out a press notice w/c 13.09.21 so that people wanting a test kit are made aware of the amended service commencing from 4 October.