Agenda item

This report provides details of the work that has been undertaken by NHS England, Public Health and Hammersmith & Fulham CCG, both jointly and independently, to increase vaccine uptake. In addition, future action plans are described. 

The Board received an update on the work undertaken by NHS England (NHSE), Public Health and Hammersmith & Fulham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), both jointly and independently, to increase vaccine uptake and future action plans.

Mr van Wijgerden responded to queries. The national supply issue with the children’s nasal spray flu vaccine had been resolved. There had been a regulatory and quality issue and additional vaccine had been purchased by the Department of Health. The programme was now continuing as normal.

It would be possible to share school level uptake data with the local authority, with the caveat that data from small schools would not be shared, as it might inadvertently identify the children. The data would be shared through the Systems Leadership Workshop. Other data from Public Health England and GP practice data would also be shared.

Mrs Andreae stated that the CCG was supportive of a Children’s Centre. Potentially, there could be three or four sessions.

Councillor Vaughan stated that the Health, Adult Social Care & Social Inclusion Policy & Accountability Committee (PAC), at its recent meeting, had been very encouraged by the work done and the way in which the different parties had come together to work towards the shared goal of improved flu vaccination rates. The PAC had however recognised that a number of challenges remained, and particularly attitudes towards the vaccination.

Mrs Andreae referred to the issue of vaccinations for patients undergoing chemotherapy, which had been raised at the PAC. The CCG would discuss with acute hospitals and also disseminate information to GP practices, including guidance about when the vaccination could be given. GPs would be sent the link to information in respect of the reasons why people declined the vaccination.

Dr Anya stated that whilst work was ongoing to promote the vaccination to all groups, children and pregnant women were the current year’s priorities. Public health was in touch with the local hospitals and the vaccination was being promoted in out-patient departments. It was not always appropriate for the vaccination to be given at hospitals.

Mrs Bruce stated that the provision of the vaccine to people with long term conditions and those aged 65 plus was being picked up by the Community Independence Service.

Councillor Lukey stated that it was intended that Carers’ Day would include community pharmacists, who were able to vaccinate outside their premises and that work was ongoing with NHSE. to ensure that supplies of the vaccine were available.

Mr Lawry stated that Sobus was in touch with some 500 voluntary organisations and offered to promote communications material. He considered that it was important to understand why people might not access the vaccination and address those concerns. Mrs Andreae responded that there would be further discussion at the Patient Reference Group and with Community Champions, and suggested that Public Health should talk about the benefits in more depth.

Mr Lawry suggested that Public Health should liaise with Children’s Services to target the group which did not attend Children’s Centres and health services.

Councillor Vaughan noted that whilst years one and two had been prioritised, reception and nursery classes had not. Parents of these children should be informed that the vaccination was a priority and would be given through GPs.

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RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The report be noted.

2.    The Board noted that the borough was in a much better position than the previous year and encouraged everyone to keep up the good work.