The framework commits to building a core immunisation resource in health boards. It changes governance structures to ensure that there is appropriate, integrated oversight and management of all vaccination programmes and work streams to transform the digital infrastructure for vaccination, which presents huge opportunities for services and citizens.

Another significant commitment within the framework is a move to a central procurement process for the flu vaccine. We have seen unprecedented levels of uptake in our COVID-19 programme. I accept that some of this is about the context, but some of it is also due to the way that the system has engaged with and included groups that it has struggled to capture in the past. I want to apply this focus on health protection to the flu programme in the future. We cannot expect primary care providers to carry the risk of ordering more vaccines. We recognise that the risk must be borne at a national level, so we are exploring how we can move to a model of national procurement from 2024 onwards.

Primary care providers, including community pharmacies, will continue to play a really important role in the delivery of the flu vaccine and other vaccination programmes beyond 2024. They are a key element of the options that should be provided to citizens in order to maximise vaccination uptake. We are working closely with all those involved in the implementation of these changes.

Publication of the national immunisation framework is a key milestone that marks a move into the implementation phase of the transformation of vaccination, with a process of transition to the new arrangements expected during 2023 and 2024. Throughout the implementation period, existing programmes will continue to be delivered effectively and our governance arrangements will reflect that. The NHS Wales delivery unit will oversee the implementation, and that unit will become part of the NHS executive in 2023, with the Welsh Government moving into an oversight role. We remain committed to co-production during the implementation phase, and our intention is to publish an update in 2023 to share progress towards the transformational change and commitments set out in the national immunisation framework. Thank you.