Flu and pneumococcal immunisation strategies in primary care?

Influenza Immunisation Strategies in Primary Care

• Information and Invitation: Primary care practices should inform and invite individuals in eligible groups for flu vaccination during face-to-face interactions whenever the opportunity arises ¹.
• Targeted Communication: Invitations should originate from a known healthcare practitioner and be tailored to the individual's situation, including information on the risks of not being vaccinated and educational messages to address barriers ¹.
• Reminder Systems: Utilize a combination of methods such as written reminders (text messages, letters, emails), phone calls, auto-diallers, and social media to contact eligible individuals whose immunisations are due or overdue ¹.
• Digital Engagement: For digital invitations and reminders, include links to trusted websites for further information, provide prompts for online appointment booking, and encourage face-to-face discussions with healthcare professionals ¹.
• Peer-Led Approaches: Consider peer-led approaches to engage underserved groups, leveraging individuals with lived experience to provide accessible and appropriate information ¹.
• Vaccine Availability: Ensure sufficient flu vaccine supply to meet local needs ¹.
• Vaccine Choice: Preferred vaccines vary by age and clinical risk group, with specific recommendations for different age brackets and for children ³. For example, all people aged 65 years and over are recommended aQIV or QIV-HD, with QIVc as an alternative ³. Children aged 2 years to under 18 years are recommended LAIV, with QIVc or QIVe as alternatives ³.
• Contraindications: Influenza vaccine should not be given to individuals with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine component, unless specific management strategies are in place ³. It should also be postponed in those who are acutely unwell with a febrile illness or acute infection ³. Fluenz nasal spray is contraindicated in severely immunocompromised children or young people, those with a history of severe anaphylaxis to egg requiring intensive care, and those taking systemic salicylate therapy ³.
• Annual Vaccination: Protection from the influenza vaccine lasts approximately one year, necessitating annual vaccination, typically before late November ².
• Carer Vaccination: Primary care staff can identify and offer flu vaccinations to eligible carers during opportunities such as home visits, or inform them of other local vaccination services if patient group directions are not in place ¹.