Sir, delivering the seasonal flu vaccination programme this year will be more challenging than in previous years due to the impact of COVID-19. I fully support the proposal by Serban et al. regarding the potential dental team role in supporting the delivery of a flu vaccination programme.1

In the United States, Minnesota and Illinois allow dentists to administer vaccines, but only to protect against the flu and only in adult patients. In 2020, Oregon becomes the first state in the United States to allow dentists to offer any vaccination to a patient.2

In Scotland, NHS dental contractors (dentists and dental bodies corporate) can opt in to participate in the 2020/21 flu vaccination programme. Participation will be agreed locally by NHS Boards and Area Dental Committees, depending on the overall requirements to deliver the programme. A one-off participation fee of £250 will be offered to each contractor and in addition, a flat fee of £8.27 will be paid per immunisation.3

NHS Education for Scotland is developing learning resources to support delivery of the flu vaccination programme. This is in line with the guidance from the General Dental Council that dental professionals must be trained and competent for all skills and treatment that they undertake.3

Indemnity cover for dentists will be provided by the Scottish Government. Other members of the dental team will not be allowed to deliver vaccinations.