Vaccines Resources

The influenza immunisation programme in the UK started in the 1960s and has since been extended to offer protection to those groups most vulnerable to the infection. The extension of the programme to children aims to directly protect them and reduce transmission of the virus to those around them. General practice nurses (GPNs) are among those most trusted in informing and reassuring parents about the benefits of immunisation. This article will primarily describe arrangements for the flu immunisation programme 2021–22 in England. The programme is, of course, delivered in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and there may be subtle differences in programme delivery in the devolved nations. Nurses working in countries other than England should ensure that they are following relevant guidance specific to the area in which they practice (Scottish Government, 2021; Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, 2021, and Welsh Government, 2021).

Influenza is an important vaccine preventable infection, which is an annual global health threat. Huge advances have been made in our knowledge of the influenza virus and as a consequence the ability to produce more effective influenza vaccines. In the last few years, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has considered newly licensed influenza vaccines for use in the UK population. The UK now has a differentiated influenza immunisation programme with different vaccines being advised for different risk groups. Currently, the various vaccines are differentiated by age, but in the future may also be differentiated by risk group. General practice nurses (GPNs) need to understand how these various influenza vaccines differ, what are their advantages in terms of the increased protection they offer to patients, and, in turn, be able to explain these advantages to patients.