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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-

In today’s rapidly evolving public health landscape, immunisation remains one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent disease, protect communities and improve life expectancy. To support those on the frontline of vaccination delivery, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published updated Quality Criteria for an Effective Immunisation Programme. This guidance sets out

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

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

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

✅ 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

🚀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

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