Skip to main content

Primary Care Clinical Update 16 November 2023

1. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended a vaccine against varicella (chickenpox) should be added to the UK’s routine childhood immunisation programme. The vaccine would be offered to all children in 2 doses, at 12 and 18 months of age. 

The JCVI has also recommended a temporary catch-up programme for older children be included in the initial rollout. Chickenpox cases were significantly reduced during the pandemic due to social restrictions, meaning there is currently a larger pool of children than usual without immunity. The catch-up programme would offer them protection against greater risks from the illness through later childhood or as adults, when chickenpox can be more severe.

Many other countries (such as Germany, Canada, Australia and the USA) already offer children chickenpox vaccination. The final decision about approving the proposed programme lies with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

2. National vaccination and immunisation catch-up campaign for 2023/24

General practices are required to participate in a national vaccination and immunisation national catch-up campaign each year, as a requirement of the GP contracts. The 2023/24 national vaccinations and immunisations catch-up campaign will once focus on measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). 

3. Covid-19 vaccination & flu vaccination

We are still encouraging patients to take up the offer of Covid-19 vaccination and flu vaccination if they are in an eligible group.

4. Covid-19 case numbers and hospitalisations

The most recent statistics suggest there has been a fall in Covid-19 cases and hospital admissions in the last few weeks, following an earlier increase from July to September 2023

5. Monitoring patients on hydroxychloroquine

Ensure we have an active monitoring system for patients on hydroxychloroquine.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Example ADHD Referral Letter

Dear Dr, I am writing to refer a 28-year-old male patient of mine, Mr [Patient's Name], for assessment for the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). After a thorough clinical assessment, I believe that Mr. [Patient's Name] meets the criteria for adult ADHD as outlined in NHS guidance for primary care teams in SE London. Mr [Patient's Name] has been under my care for XX years and, during this time, he reports several symptoms (greater than five symptoms in total) consistent with ADHD in adults that have been present for more than six months. These symptoms include difficulties in focusing, following through on tasks, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, impulsiveness, restlessness, and irritability. Mr [Patient's Name] also reports being easily distracted, struggling with time management, organisation, and completing tasks efficiently. Many of Mr [Patient's Name]'s symptoms have been present since he was under 12 years old; and have
Post a Comment
Read more

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-vacc
Post a Comment
Read more

Why we need to put an end to the GANFYD culture in the UK

One of the causes of increased workload in general practice are the many requests that doctors get for letters, reports and forms from patients or from external organisations. It’s now so common that doctors have coined a term for it: GANFYD – Get A Note From Your Doctor.  It’s seems that large sections of society can’t function without these “letters from doctors”. Instead of using common sense or employing their own clinical advisers, external organisations make repeated requests to NHS doctors for letters which are often not at all needed. Often the worst offenders come from the public sector – e.g. universities who seem to look upon NHS general practice as a source of free occupational health advice for their students. Universities never – of course - offer to pay for this advice they get from NHS GPs. Instead, university requests will come with a mealy-mouthed statement that any fee is the responsibility of the student. Like doctors are going to impose heavy fees on impoverished s
Post a Comment
Read more