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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.


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