This blog provides practitioners with information on the Hepatitis B selective neonatal immunisation pathway, DBS testing at 12 – 18 months and useful resources. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified hepatitis as an international public health challenge comparable to malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. The introduction of the hexavalent vaccine, as part of the universal childhood immunisation […]
Neonatal Hepatitis B Pathway Read More »
For staff working across GP practices, community clinics, child health services and immunisation teams Why the change? ➤ On 31 October 2025, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England announced that from 1 January 2026 a new routine childhood vaccination programme will include the combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox): the
Rolling Out the New MMRV Programme: What Healthcare Staff Need to Know Read More »
MMR vs Single Vaccines: What Healthcare Staff Need to Know Recent public claims have reignited old concerns about the MMR vaccine. Some parents now ask for single measles, mumps, or rubella vaccines instead. Below are the key facts you can share, based on GOV.UK / UKHSA guidance and the Oxford Vaccine Knowledge Project. The Facts
MMR vs Single Vaccines: Read More »
The NHS is rolling out an important update to its shingles (herpes zoster) vaccination programme. From 1 September 2025, all severely immunosuppressed individuals aged 18 years and over become eligible for the Shingrix® vaccine—regardless of upper age limit (gov.uk). Previously, eligibility for Shingrix® in severely immunosuppressed patients began at 50 years of age. This expansion
Extending Shingrix® Eligibility: A Key Update for Healthcare Professionals Read More »
✅ Compliance with the National Minimum Standards & Core Curriculum Delivering LAIV to 2‑3‑year‑olds requires pharmacists to follow both the Advanced Service Specification and the National Minimum Standards and Core Curriculum for Immunisation Training: 1. Meeting Professional Training Standards Pharmacy vaccinators must have completed training that satisfies all elements of the Standards: 2. Service‑Specific Competence
Community pharmacies to offer children’s flu vaccinations from October 2025 Read More »
🚀Elevating Immunisation Training for 2025 The UKHSA’s updated National Minimum Standards and Core Curriculum for Vaccination Training, published 23 June 2025, consolidates guidance for both registered healthcare professionals (RHPs) and healthcare support workers (HCSWs) into a single comprehensive resource (gov.uk). 🎯 Why the Update Matters 👩⚕️ Who Needs Training—and at what level Audience Training Requirements All staffinvolved
New National Training Standards for Vaccinators (UKHSA, 2025) Read More »
NHS England has announced that the UK Government has accepted the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommendations and has announced the implementation of two new routine vaccination programmes starting in August 2025, targeting Mpox and Gonorrhoea. These initiatives aim to protect high-risk populations and curb the spread of these infections. It comes amid
Maintaining the Cold Chain: Dealing with vaccine storage incidents What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know Vaccines are highly sensitive biological products. Their potency and safety depend on strict adherence to storage conditions, especially temperature control throughout the cold chain. Correct vaccine storage and handling has been an important factor in preventing and eradicating many common
Maintaining the Cold Chain: Dealing with vaccine storage incidents Read More »
Changes to UK routine childhood vaccination schedule are commencing 1st July 2025
Training Requirements and Employer Responsibilities Healthcare Support Workers (HCSW’s) are integral to the success of immunisation programmes, especially in meeting the growing demand for vaccines. However, their expanded responsibilities must align with proper training, competency, and governance. This blog focuses on the essential training requirements for HCSWs and the employer’s role in ensuring patient safety
Expanding Vaccine Roles for Health Care Support Workers Read More »
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe respiratory infections, especially in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. To learn more about RSV and the importance of the vaccine, view the video below. With the recent introduction of the RSV vaccine into immunisation programmes, concerns have recently emerged regarding rare side effects,
Vaccine hesitancy has been a topic of increasing concern in recent years, but let’s be honest—most of us know someone who feels uncertain or worried about vaccines. The truth is these concerns don’t come from a place of malice or ignorance, but often stem from fear, confusion, or misinformation. So how can we help bridge
How to Address Vaccine Hesitancy: A Compassionate Approach Read More »
