Immunisation

• RCN guidance on vaccination during COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine programmes
• RCN. Guidance on remote consultations under COVID-19 restrictions
• RCN. Sexual health services and COVID
• RCN. Occupational health and COVID
• RCN blog. Managing TB during the COVID-19 Pandemic

See also:

• ECDC & WHO. EMCDDA update on the implications of COVID-19 for people who use drugs and drug service providers
• NHS England. Guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
• PHE. Guidance on immunisation training during the COVID-19 pandemic
• PHE. JCVI statement on immunisation prioritisation

Autumn Vaccine programmes

COVID-19 vaccine. RCN COVID-19 vaccination hub

Influenza vaccine. Flu vaccinations 2022-2023 

Routine infant primary immunisations

The UK vaccine programme is constantly evolving, as advised by the Joint Committee of Immunisation and Vaccination (JCVI). This is based on the evidence of vaccine efficacy, the impact of the vaccine programmes to the epidemiology of the vaccine preventable diseases and the supply of vaccines.

The JCVI has been notified of the discontinuation of Menitorix© (Hib/MenC). This necessitates a change to the routine infant schedule as this vaccine is currently given at 12 months. 

See: Independent report Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) statement on changes to the childhood immunisation schedule (November 2022). This is for advice. There is no immediate change planned and current supplies of menitorix are available until around 2025 final details on the detail are still to be agreed.

HPV vaccine 

The HPV universal programme commenced in September 2019 the 2 dose schedule came in April 2022. For more information see: Human papillomavirus (HPV) universal vaccination programme.

JCVI, have advised on a one-dose schedule for the routine adolescent programme and MSM programme before the 25th birthday. For further information see: JCVI statement on a one-dose schedule for the routine HPV immunisation programme this change has not yet been agreed for implementation.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Screening SCID 

Screening for SCID is currently being evaluated in some parts of the country see: SCID screening evaluation.

There is further information on how this impacts on the BCG and Rotavirus vaccine programmes to ensure the vaccines are given once there is confirmation that the child is not affected by SCID or was not offered SCID screening.

Polio

Following the detection of Vaccine-like type-2 poliovirus (PV2) isolates found in sewage samples from the London Beckton sewage treatment works in February 2022. As part of public Health measures to contain poliomyelitis virus, a campaign to offer supplementary vaccination against polio is currently in place in London, see: Polio information and resources.

Mpox (Monkey Pox)

There is a targeted campaign for high risk individuals for management of mpox or monkey pox – Further information is available, see: Monkey Pox vaccination guidance.

Local outbreaks and migrant health and asylum seekers

Isolated incidence of some infections, such as Diphtheria in migrants and asylum seekers may warrant local action. 

Diphtheria is of particular concern. View the updated UKHSA guidance - Diphtheria: cases among asylum seekers in England, 2022 and Public health control and management of diphtheria in England: December 2022 guidelines.

The Migrant Health guidance and Diptheria immunisation information for migrants also provide useful resources.

Hepatitis B

See the webinar below on testing infants born to mothers with hepatitis B. This recording is intended for use both by women with hepatitis B and health professionals caring for women with hepatitis B.