26 November 2020

Action: Read the updated flu vaccine stock guidance for GPs taking into account 50-64 cohorts opening.

You may order now for 50-64 cohort however you must only vaccinate 50-64 year olds from 1st December 2020. The initial allocation of QIVe and QIVc which was allocated to GP practices has now been ordered by them. In response to this demand, there have additional allocations of QIVe and QIVc for GP practices, however the majority of this additional allocation has now been ordered.

If GP practices need further stock, they are able to order Adjuvanted Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (aTIV) for those over 65 years old or Flublok® for those under 65 years old (FYI you don’t receive needles with Flublok)

See in the guidance, attached a section about the new manufacturer ordering processes and availability, guidance can also be viewed here lso available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accessing-government-secured-flu-vaccines-guidance-for-gps

Action: Read the innovative approaches used by GP practices across NW London, to increase uptake of the flu vaccine amongst 2-3 year olds

Included in the document are ideas of how to increase uptake, and also a script that can be used over the phone when talking to parents.

Action: Read the script created by NHS North Central London CCGs, to use with those patients who decline the offer of the flu vaccine

Included in the document are key facts about the flu vaccine, an FAQ for patients, and a script that staff can use when calling patients about the flu vaccine.

Action: Please find attached the latest briefing on the programme from NHS E on the Covid-19 vaccination. The briefing and key messages are the public messages we can share on the vaccine at this time.

Key messages

• A safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 available in the near future is looking promising. 
• Health and social care professionals have been identified as priority group to receive the vaccine first
• By ensuring staff have had their vaccine we can be certain that they are protected and NHS services are accessible for people throughout winter and beyond
• Getting vaccinated means protecting yourself from the virus so you can be there for your family, friends and patients.
• The independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) regularly review the latest information and update their advice on the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination. The latest information can be found here.
• The NHS will offer a COVID-19 vaccination only when it has been approved by MHRA, the official UK regulator, like all other medicines and devices.
• The vaccine has undergone months of rigorous testing and will not be used until the strict safety approval processes have been met.
• Rollout of the vaccine will help protect against the virus, it’s vital we deliver it to as many people as quickly as possible
• We are also preparing additional local facilities to manage large volumes of vaccinations when they become available next year.
• A potential COVID-19 vaccine will not protect you against flu. All health care workers should have the flu vaccination.  To keep you, your family and patients protected, get your free annual flu jab as soon as you can.

Action: Read a summary of the latest NHS England London region guidance on the referral and management of cancer and practical support during COVID-19

Action: Continue to take cervical samples to help catch cervical cancer early. Read the latest contact details for cervical screening London, and advice sheet

It is vitally important that women continue to be screened during the current lockdown period due to end in early December. Invitation letters will be sent out as normal so when women contact you for an appointment, or to query whether they should be screened, please encourage them to book and come in ASAP.

Action: Share the Help us Help you messaging with patients, included in press release here

This winter, the NHS in North West London is reminding residents of the range of healthcare services available to help them.

With coronavirus restrictions continuing to impact our day to day lives, we are aware that this winter will be unlike any other. Although coronavirus has changed how some NHS services are delivered, we want our local residents to know that no matter what your concern may be, our NHS services are still available for your use. Our services are safe to use and we are here to help.

Patient information about what services are available and how to access them is included in the press release.

Action: Read the key messages from the NHS and primary care in NW London here

This week we would like to flag the upcoming NW London Network Forum webinar on local mental health services, 2 December 2020 from 1-2pm.

The session focuses on

• Increasing access to Mental Health services
• Improving the service for those patients falling through the gaps.

Presenters:

• Becky Baird – Senior Fellow in Health Policy for the Kings Fund
• Dr Abigail Heller – Public Health
• Emma Kennedy – Grenfell, CNWL
• Speaker from West London Mental Health Trust to be confirmed

Please join the webinar by clicking on the link: Link to Mental Health update