As an IPC team we can support Adult Social Care providers who are commissioned by the ICB with areas such as:
- Dissemination of relevant guidance and updates
- IPC advice
- Outbreak management and support
Links to useful national, local guidance and resources:
- Infection prevention and control in adult social care: acute respiratory infection - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England
- NHS England IPC - A to Z pathogen resource
- 2025/26 South East winter-readiness (infection prevention) information for care homes pack
- UKHSA SE Webinar - Testing for Flu in South East Care Homes September 2025
- Testing for Flu using LFDs in South East Care Homes Q&A following webinar on 10th Sept 2025
- SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A+B antigen combo rapid tests for COVID-19 and 2 types of flu during an outbreak of acute respiratory infection in adult social care homes in South East England - GOV.UK
- Infection Prevention Control, You're in safe hands
Staff member vaccination resources:
Covid-19 treatment eligibility criteria
The cohort of people eligible for COVID-19 treatments should continue to access free COVID-19 LFDs through the NHS (Local pharmacies)
Pharmacies may ask questions about an individual’s medical history to confirm eligibility for free tests and update patient records for future orders
Care homes and other registered care settings are encouraged to support eligible residents to access NHS testing and treatment and ensure the eligible resident has at least 3 LFD swabs prior to developing any symptoms
Providers should ensure that there are at least 3 tests available per eligible individual to enable them to test for 3 consecutive days if they develop symptoms of acute respiratory infection. It is important to plan and make sure there are always sufficient test kits in the home in advance
A full list of those who are eligible, and information on how to access tests, is available at: Covid-19-rapid-lateral-flow-test
Please access COVID treatment via CMDU, for more information please see the webpage below:
CMDU PHL Group
LFD service - Community Pharmacy England (cpe.org.uk)
Find a pharmacy that offers free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
In the event you require urgent IPC advice out of hours please contact:
- UKHSA - 03442253861
Please note the UKHSA out of hours duty team will not provide routine COVID-19 related outbreak support.
