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Key steps in implementing the annual flu vaccination programme

Today’s clinical update looks at flu vaccine uptake. The NHS offers free vaccination to eligible patients in the UK but there is planning needed to ensure the flu vaccine programme is implemented effectively and achieves a high uptake. There is still scope to improve uptake this year and for the next flu vaccine campaign in the Autumn of 2023.

Key steps in implementing the annual flu vaccination programme

  1. Give one member of the practice team responsibility for leading the vaccination programme, supported by the wider practice team.
  2. Ensure staff are informed about the programme; including start dates, who is eligible and the benefits of vaccination for the individual patient, their family and society.
  3. Prepare FAQs to common questions from patients. These are usually available on government websites such as those published by NHS England and the UKHSA. Ensure staff know where to look for these FAQs, which are essential in countering misinformation about vaccination.
  4. Ensure medical records are as accurate as possible so that target groups for vaccination can be identified (e.g. to identify at risk people aged under 65 years eligible for vaccination).
  5. Prime patients with information about vaccination before the programme starts, including start dates, who is eligible; and the benefits of vaccination for the individual, their family and society.
  6. Provide accessible clinics for flu vaccination and also offer opportunistic vaccination to patients when they attend appointments at the practice for other reasons.
  7. Monitor uptake in each target group. Contact those who have not come forwards for vaccination by text, email or telephone. Also raise vaccination with patients in clinics.
  8. Many patients will receive flu vaccines in other settings such as pharmacies and workplaces. Details of vaccinations at NHS sites should be sent to the practice automatically but this may not be the case for vaccinations given at workplaces. Contact patients to check their vaccination status by text or email and enter vaccinations on their medical record if given elsewhere.
  9. Incentivise staff to achieve targets; and work with the patient participation group and other local community groups to increase vaccine uptake.
  10. The same principles can be applied to other vaccination programmes delivered by the practice (e.g. childhood vaccinations, shingles).
 For details of eligibility, see: The flu vaccination: who should have it and why.

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