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Dr Curran and Partners – Clinical Update 10 August 2023

1. Measles

The UKHSA has warned that unless MMR vaccination rates improve, London could experience a large measles outbreak. Measles is potentially a very serious illness with important complications - but is preventable though vaccination. 

Please ensure patients and their families are up to date with their vaccinations. Please also check the vaccine status of new patients - particular migrants - and enter details onto the medical record of any vaccines given elsewhere.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/london-at-risk-of-measles-outbreaks-with-modelling-estimating-tens-of-thousands-of-cases

2. Shingles vaccination

The shingles vaccine programme is being expanded. From September, GP practices will offer:

- Those aged 70-79, 1 dose of Zostavax or 2 doses of Shingrix

- People aged 50+ with a weak immune system, 2 doses of Shingrix

- Those turning 65 & 70, two doses of Shingrix vaccine.

For further details, see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shingles-vaccination-programme-changes-from-september-2023-letter

3. NHS Workforce Plan

NHS Workforce Plan has recently been published, outlining plans to expand the number of medical students and training of other health professionals.

- Double medical school training places to 15,000 by 2031, with more places in areas with the greatest shortages

- Increase the number of GP training places by 50% to 6,000 by 2031

- Almost double the number of adult nurse training places by 2031, with 24,000 more nurse and midwife training places a year by 2031.

- Expand ARRS scheme

- Increased use of AI

- Improve retention (not clear how)

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