In response to the recent meningitis outbreak, NHS England has announced that prescription charges for prophylactic oral ciprofloxacin will be waived. This measure aims to provide timely access to medication for those at risk, ensuring effective management of the situation.
Eligible patients can receive free ciprofloxacin prescriptions marked with 'FS', a designation typically reserved for free prescriptions related to tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The waiver applies to prescriptions dispensed and collected between March 5th and April 21st, 2026, although this period may be extended as the situation evolves.
Eligibility Criteria:
Free supply for all eligible patients (which may be subject to change) affected by the outbreak, but specifically:
- University of Kent students and staff residing or working in Canterbury Campus halls.
- Individuals who attended Club Chemistry between March 5th and 15th, 2026.
- Students in sixth forms at schools and colleges with probable or confirmed cases.
- Other close contacts identified as needing prophylaxis.
Guidance for Pharmacies:
- The 'FS' endorsement must be initialled or signed by the prescriber; it cannot be added by patients or pharmacists.
- Prescriptions should contain no other items
- These prescriptions are likely to be paper-based due to GP systems not having the functionally of adding FS without there being a reference to TB or an STI
- Electronic prescriptions with 'FS' endorsements should be treated as free of charge, ensuring the endorsement is correctly applied in the main body of the item and not in the dosage instructions.
- Paper prescriptions with 'FS' endorsements should be placed in the red separator for end-of-month submission.
- Patients are not required to sign or complete the back of 'FS' endorsed prescriptions.
- Prescriptions lacking the 'FS' endorsement or the ‘FS’ endorsement has been applied incorrectly will incur charges unless the patient has an exemption. Patients can request an FP57 receipt for potential refunds.
- Pharmacy teams cannot issue FP57 forms retrospectively; they must be provided at the time of collection.
- Pharmacy teams should not issue refunds for patients presenting with a completed FP57 form for oral ciprofloxacin. Refund requests should be directed to the NHSBSA.
Refund Process for Patients:
Patients who have already paid for ciprofloxacin prescriptions and are eligible for a refund should contact the NHSBSA. They can email hc5refundquery@nhsbsa.nhs.uk with a covering letter and proof of payment, or call the NHSBSA helpdesk at 0300 330 1343 for assistance