Vaccination “Big Week” Campaign – 22nd to 29th November

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve seasonal vaccination uptake and protect communities this winter, there will be a London wide Vaccination “Big Week” campaign from 22^nd to 29^th November.

This campaign is designed to build on existing local work, encourage public engagement and ensure that everyone who is eligible has easy access to vaccination.

Further covid and flu vaccination national invites will be sent out to all unvaccinated individuals who are eligible this winter, imminently. These can complement the local call and recall general practices/ PCNs deliver as part of the enhanced services contracts.

We are asking all General Practice staff to take part by:

• Ensure sufficient stock is available to meet potential increased demand. We are informed that there are no issues with stock suppliers from wholesalers, manufacturers or the covid vaccination supply chain.
• Ensure good access to appointments and booking systems
• Share campaign messages through local channels and social media, materials will be on the NEL GP portal.
• Use local data to identify unvaccinated individuals
• Ensure local call and recall processes are being implemented
• Ensure all vaccinations are recorded promptly on the relevant clinical system
• Ensure eligible patients discharged from hospitals are promptly offered a vaccination especially if in a care home or housebound.
• Ensure all practice staff are familiar with the local arrangements for covid vaccinations and can refer appropriately. Liaise with the local PCN manager for any covid vaccination queries.

Collaboration agreements

GP practices can work together to run influenza-only vaccination clinics in line with the seasonal and childhood flu service specifications. A collaboration agreement allows practices to share vaccines and vaccinate patients across participating practices, with one Lead Practice responsible for services. All collaborating practices jointly own the vaccines, which are managed according to the terms set out in the Influenza collaboration agreement. Only practices with such an agreement may supply vaccines to the Lead Practice. Any movement outside of a collaboration agreement is not legally permitted.

Your continued efforts are vital to protecting the health of our communities. The vaccination “Big Week” offers an opportunity to make a visible impact and ensure that no one misses out on the protection vaccines provide.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment in delivering this important work.

Moira Coughlan