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The 2026–2027 flu vaccination programme is here – are you ready for the season ahead? This webinar, held on 23rd September 2026, was designed specifically for healthcare professionals delivering flu vaccinations this season. During the webinar, we focused on the key information you need to vaccinate safely, confidently and in line with the 2026–2027 national

Autumn 2026 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know The autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme is approaching, and healthcare professionals involved in delivering the programme need to ensure they are familiar with the latest eligibility criteria, vaccines and clinical guidance. COVID-19 vaccination is now a targeted seasonal programme, focusing on people at the

Are all your vaccinators appropriately trained, up to date and assessed as competent for the vaccines they deliver? The UKHSA National Minimum Standards and Core Curriculum for Vaccination Training, updated in June 2025, provide a single framework for healthcare staff involved in vaccination. This includes registered healthcare professionals (RHPs) and healthcare support workers (HCSWs). For

Every winter, influenza places a substantial burden on patients, healthcare services and the wider health and care system. While influenza is often perceived as a routine seasonal illness, surveillance data continue to demonstrate its capacity to cause severe disease, hospitalisation and excess mortality, particularly among older adults, pregnant women, young children and individuals with underlying

Healthcare professionals involved in immunisation frequently use the terms “informed consent” and “consent to vaccinate” interchangeably. However, they are not the same process. Confusion between the two can create clinical, legal and governance risks, particularly when vaccination is delegated under mechanisms such as Patient Group Directions (PGDs), Patient Specific Directions (PSDs) or Vaccine Group Directions

The legal framework for vaccine delivery across the UK has changed. Following updates to the Human Medicines Regulations (HMR) 2012, Vaccine Group Directions (VGDs) have been introduced, replacing the temporary National Protocols used during the COVID-19 pandemic. This blog outlines what VGDs are, what has changed, and how they sit alongside other legal mechanisms such

The NHS Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme for older adults is entering a significant new phase in 2026. Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), eligibility is expanding to better protect those at highest risk of severe disease. This blog summarises the key updates, clinical rationale, and operational considerations for

Bite‑size clinician FAQ for parent and student consultations Meningococcal group B (MenB) remains the leading cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in England, responsible for over 80% of cases (313 of 378) in 2024/25. While overall incidence is low, the disease is severe and can progress rapidly. Recent high-profile incidents, such as the Kent cluster,

A Practical, Evidence-based Update for Healthcare Professionals Pregnancy is a unique window of increased vulnerability to certain infectious diseases for both the pregnant woman and the foetus/newborn. Vaccination in pregnancy not only protects the pregnant woman but also provides passive immunity to the infant in the early months of life when their immune system is

Improving vaccine uptake and addressing vaccine hesitancy is essential for ensuring public health safety. In the UK, vaccinators play a crucial role in dispelling myths, providing accurate information, and helping individuals feel confident in their decisions. Drawing on official guidance, including resources from Gov.uk Immunisation collection pages, Oxford Vaccine Group – vaccine knowledge, NHS website-