Agenda item

This report provides an update on immunisation programmes in Hammersmith & Fulham and action plans to improve the uptake rate of the flu vaccine.

Councillor Vaughan stated that the Committee had requested an update on flu immunisations, which had been considered in depth the previous year. Members were keen to ensure that an action plan was in place for the current year and specifically for the age 2-4 and 65+ priority groups.

The Committee received a presentation on the Flu Action Plan, Winter 2015/2016 jointly from NHS England (NHS(E)), NHS Hammersmith & Fulham CCG and Three Boroughs Shared Services Public Health Department. The presentation set out roles and responsibilities; the individual action plans and joint working to monitor actions.

The NHS(E) action plan focused on three work streams: at risk cohort and children; over 65 cohort; and frontline healthcare workers.

The CCG Action Plan included: encouraging clinical leadership to maximise flu immunisation amongst front line staff, leading by example; training for all practice nurses; maximising GP extended hours hub to deliver immunisation clinics at evenings and weekends; and using the local authority communication channels.

Councillor Barlow noted that immunisation rates in Hammersmith & Fulham were below average and queried which borough had the highest rates. Dr Anya responded that Tower Hamlets had achieved high immunisation rates through investment in additional capacity to support GPs and to target hard to reach children.

Mr Van Wijgerden suggested that Tower Hamlets might currently have a declining uptake rate, because of a number of challenges in London, including different information systems. GP surgeries needed to be pro-active in calling and re-calling patients. Immunisation had become more complex because of the number of  vaccinations and needed to be embedded in good quality care from pregnancy. Uptake rates in Hammersmith & Fulham had begun to improve.

Councillor Barlow queried engagement with schools. Dr Anya responded that a pack  produced nationally for schools had been sent out with a letter from the Directors of Children’s Services and Public Health and would be followed with posters and leaflets.

Ms Domb queried whether there would be an easy to read version and the provision of the vaccination for people unable to go out. Dr Anya responded that the national information had been produced in various formats and there would be an easy to read version.  Mr Van Wijgerden responded that provision of the vaccination would be included in the service level agreement with community and district nurses.

Councillor Lukey referred to the shingles vaccination and the poor performance in Hammersmith & Fulham. Mrs Andreae responded that GP practices would write and offer the vaccination to  the eligible consort. They would also be offered the vaccination when attending for the flu vaccination.

Councillor Vaughan queried whether the vaccination for years one and two would be delivered in schools or by GPs and whether the vaccination for 2-4 year olds would be offered in children’s centres and nurseries.

Mr Van Wijgerden responded that the vaccination would be offered at schools to all children including those in private schools, with parental consent. The vaccination would be offered out of school to children who were absent on the day. At least 50% uptake was expected and this would be monitored fortnightly by a national team.

Mrs Andreae responded that there were accountability and governance issues in respect of giving the vaccination in children’s centres and nurseries. There would be no access to the children’s records or translation services. Advice from the professional bodies was required.

Councillor Vaughan queried communication. Mrs Andreae responded that GP practices would mainly send texts inviting parents and their children to attend the practices. Dr Anya added that the presentation set out the Detailed Public Health Action Plan.

Councillor Vaughan suggested that there could be more catchy ways of communication to encourage parents to talk. Mrs Andreae agreed that parents talked but the flu vaccination was  not perceived as saving lives. Practices were opportunistic in respect of vaccinations, for example when children were attending for other vaccinations. Generally, parents would not want the vaccination if their children were attending the surgery because they were not well. It was important to make the vaccination as available as possible.

Mr Van Wijgerden suggested that members could become role models by having the flu vaccination.

Councillor Vaughan queried whether, and if so how, data from pharmacies and schools, which had provided the vaccination was being included in the uptake figures. Mr Van Wijgerden responded that this information was electronically recorded and e-mails automatically sent to GPs. However, this information was then input manually. NHS England was looking for a more integrated system.

Councillor Vaughan queried responsibility for monitoring performance and specifically uptake by at risk groups. Mrs Andreae responded that the partners would work jointly to resolve any performance issues identified. Mr Van Wijgerden added that NHS(E), as commissioner of services, would step in if problems remained.

Mrs Andreae stated that clinically at risk patients were offered the vaccination at routine appointments.

Councillor Vaughan concluded that the Committee was encouraged by the fairly comprehensive plan and the joint work of the different parties responsible for delivering the flu vaccination.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    Members noted the challenge to become role models.

2.    The Committee noted the planned actions to communicate the flu vaccination, particularly in schools and how this would lead to improvements in uptake rates against targets.

3.    The Committee recommended that the provision of the vaccination in children’s centres be explored, as a pilot.

4.    The Committee noted the challenges in increasing uptake, particularly in respect of the increased number of vaccinations.

5.    NHS England (E), the CCG and Public Health Department be invited to the next meeting to update on uptake of the flu vaccination.

Councillor Vaughan thanked NHS(E), the CCG and Public Health Department.