Agenda item

The Committee received a briefing on the 2020/21 flu vaccination programme currently being delivered across the Borough.  The Committee was reminded that every year flu was associated with high rates of morbidity, seasonal mortality and increased pressures on NHS and social services which impacted particularly on vulnerable groups. The flu vaccination programme was known to be one of the most effective interventions for reducing pressures on health and social care systems, by reducing GP consultations, hospital admissions and A&E attendances. 

It was noted that the flu programme was likely to be more challenging this year in view of Covid-19 and the additional safety and social distancing measures needing to be in place.  Particular additional key actions for 202/21 to increase take up of flu vaccinations among those aged under 65 years in clinical at-risk groups, 2-3 year olds, school aged children, and health and social care workers were advised.  The annual national flu vaccination programme which aimed to vaccinate those most at risk had been extended for the current year to now include same household contacts of those on the NHS Shielded Patient list, children of school year 7, health and social care workers employed through Direct Payments and/or Personal Health Budgets, and, in November and December, those aged 50-65 years, subject to vaccine supply and prioritisation in terms of risk.

In Oldham, a work programme under joint leadership with Oldham CCG and the Greater Manchester Screening and Immunisations Team is developed each year to implement the national flu programme at the local level.  A multi-stakeholder operational flu group is established which seeks to achieve the national targets required by Public Health England and the Department of Health.  This group monitors progress and any learning from previous years is taken into consideration in forward planning.  The performance of the 2019/20 work programme across the eligible groups was reported, it being noted that improved uptake of the influenza vaccination among residents and frontline health and social care workers had been achieved in 2019/20.  This past programme of work provided a good foundation on which to build the 2020/21 programme through clear actions, a focus on reducing variations, and planning to support even more people across Oldham in being protected against influenza.

Members considered the varying take-up of vaccinations in schools, being advised that data considering this was available and so it was possible to see which schools were affected and the take-up by BAME communities.  The parental consent form included an option to say why consent was being withheld, it being known that some parents objected due to the presence of porcine gelatine.  In such cases an injection could be offered as an alternative, with Members commenting on the need to ensure that awareness of this option was circulated quickly.  It was noted that there existed a wider mistrust of the flu vaccine and Members were advised that a Communications Plan sought to use different routes to get messages to address concerns out to the community.

Reassurance was sought as to the financial and staffing support available for the flu vaccination programme.  Members were advised that much of the resource was provided by NHS England, with staffing, promotional work and the additional pilot schemes being resourced locally.  While it was acknowledged that Public Health had needed to defer some activity due to Covid-19, the flu vaccination programme was considered to be too important a priority to be deferred.

With regard to a number of issues concerning disabled people and carers, it was advised that options for vaccinations for foster carers, including the issuing of an e-voucher or offering re-imbursement of costs, were under consideration; some community pharmacies had signed up to vaccinate carers and care home staff, with the STICH Team being responsible for vaccinating residents; and confirming that the provision to people with learning disabilities included those with autism.

In terms of GP surgeries and pharmacies being proactive in promoting vaccinations to target groups, the Committee was advised that GP surgeries should be actively inviting those in target groups: those eligible could also be vaccinated at a pharmacy.  While GP surgeries actively promoting within the community was regarded a good approach, it was understood there may be an insurance issue with regard to them vaccinating those who were not on their patient list.

RESOLVED – That Flu Vaccination Programme 2020/21, including Oldham’s approach to the priority groups, be noted and support be given to the additional actions being undertaken for 2020/21.