GPs on the verge of missing swine flu jab uptake targets.

GPs may miss out on thousands of pounds in patient survey payments after data showed that uptake of swine flu jabs is falling short of pay thresholds.

Uptake of 50.7 per cent is required for the thresholds of the patient experience indicators in the QOF to be lowered for 2009/10 under the deal agreed between the BMA and NHS Employers.

Just 39 per cent of those in at-risk groups and 22 per cent of pregnant women have been vaccinated. Only 8 per cent of healthy children have been vaccinated, but the national agreement on payment for swine flu jabs did not include this group.

The DoH says vaccination remains important, with swine flu continuing to cause deaths …