References

NHS Digital. Childhood Vaccination Coverage Statistics - England - 2019-20. 2020. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-immunisation-statistics/england---2019-20 (accessed 20 October 2020)

Public Health England. Impact of physical distancing measures due to COVID-19 pandemic in England on childhood vaccination counts (data to week 37, 2020). 2020. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/921566/hpr1720_chldhd-VC_wk37.pdf (accessed 20 October 2020)

Gov.uk. Public Health Matters - Increasing vaccine uptake: Strategies for addressing barriers in primary care. 2019. https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2019/05/16/increasing-vaccine-uptake-strategies-for-addressing-barriers-in-primary-care/ (accessed 20 October 2020)

NHS England. Parents urged to continue vital childhood vaccinations. 2020. https://www.england.nhs.uk/london/2020/07/07/parents-urged-to-continue-vital-childhood-vaccinations/ (accessed 20 October 2020)

Royal Society for Public Health. Moving the Needle: Promoting vaccination uptake across the life course. 2019. https://www.rsph.org.uk/static/uploaded/3b82db00-a7ef-494c-85451e78ce18a779.pdf (accessed 20 October 2020)

Southwark Public Health Division. Southwark Immunisation Strategy and Action Plan 2019-2021. 2019. https://www.southwark.gov.uk/assets/attach/9847/Southwark-Immunisation-Strategy-and-Action-Plan.pdf (accessed 20 October 2020)

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Shared Learning: Community engagement to increase childhood immunisations. 2012. https://www.nice.org.uk/sharedlearning/community-engagement-to-increase-childhood-immunisations (accessed 20 October 2020)

COVID-19

Keeping infant vaccination ‘on the agenda’ as we enter a busy winter period

02 November 2020
Opinion
02 November 2020
Volume 2 · Issue 11

This winter is likely to be a particularly challenging one for the NHS. As the wider healthcare community continues to pull together to fight COVID-19 and minimise the impact of a range of infectious diseases on our elderly and most vulnerable adults, we must also keep childhood vaccinations high on the agenda to ensure we protect the youngest in our society.

While it is good to see that the latest annual NHS Childhood Vaccination Coverage Statistics show an increase in coverage from the previous year for most vaccinations in under 5-year olds,1 it is important that we all remain vigilant.

Recent analysis published by Public Health England suggests that COVID-19 social distancing measures had an impact on the uptake of childhood immunisation early in the pandemic.2 Thankfully uptake has regained to levels in line with last year, but some children may have missed out on important early-years protection, setting them behind on their schedule and putting them at risk of serious infections.

Throughout the pandemic there has been an increased collaborative effort from the NHS, government and industry to ensure that the value of vaccines remains a key focus. Given that many parents have had a lot to deal with due to changes in circumstances, we must all continue to try and work together to ensure they remain alert and are supported to overcome any barriers to getting their children vaccinated.3

Many GP practices are using practical solutions to make childhood immunisation as accessible as possible.4 Steps to ensure that traditionally underserved communities have every opportunity to attend appointments could include:

  • Checking and recalling those who have not had a vaccine and ensuring timely reminders are shared with parents5
  • Offering convenient evening and weekend clinic appointments through primary care networks5
  • Removing logistical barriers for those with a disability, or language barriers, by providing mobile or home-based immunisation6
  • Partnering with community workers, charities or local organisations to develop outreach programmes designed to reassure hesitant parents.7

As we all continue to play our part in supporting the health of the population, protecting our youngest in society remains key. As vaccinations are one of the core services offered at primary care practices across the country, it is positive to see the healthcare community coming together to give parents every possible opportunity to keep the childhood vaccination schedule on course during this uncertain time.