Key deadlines approaching in April, 2025 (for England pharmacies only):
📅 1st April 2025
• NPA-Advised Service Limitations May Begin
Pharmacies advised by the NPA to consider reducing services from this date due to unresolved funding.
• Start of 2025/26 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
The new NHS vaccination period begins, including outreach services and updated tech system requirements.
📅 4th April 2025
• Expiry of SSPs for Estradot Patches (SSP079, 080,
081)
Protocols for 100mcg and 50mcg Estradot® patches expire; standard dispensing must resume unless updated SSPs are issued.
📅 5th April 2025
• End of HMRC Tax Credit
Payments
Automatic free prescription entitlement linked to tax credit exemption certificates ends.
📅 6th April 2025
• End of Free NHS Prescriptions for Tax Credit
Holders
Patients previously exempt via tax credits may now need to pay; CPE has provided posters to help with communication.
📅 Mid-April 2025
• Expected Return of
Megestrol Supply
Megestrol 160mg tablets anticipated to be back in stock following a medium-impact disruption.
📅 End of April 2025
• Promixin Switching
Deadline
Pharmacies must ensure all patients are switched from Promixin to suitable alternatives before May.
📅 Throughout April 2025
• NPA ‘Triple Whammy’ Cost
Pressures Hit
Pharmacies face increased National Insurance, Living Wage, and business rates from April.
• Contract Negotiations Still Ongoing
No confirmed funding yet; new contract
expected between April–July 2025, adding to sector anxiety.
• Prescription Charges Stay at £9.90
NHS prescription charges and PPC prices remain unchanged for April, pending review for 2025/26.
• Original Pack Dispensing Regulation Continues
OPD +/-10% rule remains in effect; excluded drugs include CDs (Schedules 2–4) and most sodium valproate.
• DHSC Cybersecurity Survey Open
Pharmacies encouraged to share insights on IT and cybersecurity needs.
• MHRA March 2025 Safety Roundup Issued
Updates include changes to opioid indications and a recall of hysteroscopy
devices.
• Pharmacy First Service Future Unclear
Current funding ends in April; sector awaits confirmation on continuation or expansion.
• Community Pharmacy Outreach Enhanced
Service Starts
Pharmacies take on a new public engagement role as part of the 2025/26 COVID-19 vaccination effort.
• Mandated Use of Assured IT Systems for Vaccination Recording
Pharmacies must use Outcomes4Health for COVID-19 records from April; other vaccines may follow.
• Private COVID-19 Vaccination Service Expands
Pharmadoctor’s private service launched nationally for those not eligible via the NHS.
• Tax Credit Exemption Poster Available from CPE
Pharmacies can download and display materials to inform patients about changes to NHS prescription entitlement.
