Update on Notifiable Diseases Regulations – No Action Required for Pharmacy Teams

Pharmacy contractors are advised that recent changes to the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 do not apply to community pharmacies or pharmacy professionals.

The amended legislation, which came into effect on 22 July 2025, expands the list of notifiable diseases and adds several new infections, including chickenpox (varicella), to the list that must be reported under public health law. It also extends the legal duty to report these diseases to diagnostic laboratories.

Important clarification:
Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has confirmed that community pharmacies are not included in these changes and are not required to notify or report cases of notifiable diseases such as chickenpox.

There is no new legal duty placed on pharmacy teams, and no changes to existing pharmacy practice are required.

📄 View the full legislation:
The Health Protection (Notification) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 – Legislation.gov.uk

Please share this with your pharmacy teams to ensure there is no confusion.