Important Londonwide CEO message, volume 2, number 7 - 13 November 2009
In case you weren’t aware – there’s STILL a lot of it about. Flu that is, not necessarily vaccine. So here is a roundup of where we are in six points, with acknowledgements to my sources at the end.
- Current Incidence
- Pandemrix Supplies
- Celvepan Vaccination
- Vaccine Side-effects
- Useful Template for Immunisation Information
- Contractual Issues
- Current incidence. The numbers of cases of flu-like illness being recorded has stopped rising for now, although numbers remain significant. Similarly, the numbers of hospitalisations of swine flu patients. No interpretation can be made from this as to whether we will see a progressive decrease or an M shaped pattern with further waves.
- Pandemrix Vaccine Supplies. Deliveries of the first drop of 500 Pandemrix per practice continue. Arrangements are being put in place for further supplies. You will need to request these from your PCT.
- Celvepan Vaccination. Your PCT should have advised you by now of the local arrangements for vaccinating severely egg-allergic patients – a significant group but thankfully few in number, says she as the parent of an egg-anaphylactic son.
- Vaccine side effects. As you know, swine flu vaccine is made in the same way as all other flu vaccines. It cannot give a patient flu. Because it is quite viscous, and has to be delivered with a needle that’s passed through a bung before the patient’s skin, there are more reports of discomfort. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve had it. Obviously if you didn’t survive the experience, you’ll be unaware of this. The most commonly reported side-effects are – fever, discomfort, swelling and redness at the injection site for at least 48 hours, tingling discomfort in injected limb, down to the hand and headaches – mainly resolved within 24 hours.
- Useful Template for Immunisation Information. The practice of RCGP Immunisation Lead (Dr George Kassianos) has developed a H1N1 immunisation form that can be sent to patients ahead of attending a vaccination clinic. It includes a questionnaire and a list of known and possible side effects of Pandemrix. You may find it helpful. You can download the form from our website here:
- Contractual Issues. The outstanding issue which is still being grappled with nationally is the details of an emergency SFE which would be switched on should the service become overwhelmed. This is the only legal document which enables PCTs to do anything to vary your terms and conditions, in particular those applying to Essential Services, but also those applying to LESs. Many PCTs are currently exploring ‘Escalation’ arrangements, which may or may not have useful content. My message at present is that the best thing PCTs can do is to reduce the impact of any of their EXISTING bureaucracy on our practices, freeing us up to do our frontline work on behalf of our patients. So..... please advise us through flu@lmc.org.uk of any PCT initiated requests which you KNOW AND CAN SUBSTANTIATE will affect your practice’s ability to carry out its contractual obligations as frontline providers of care to your patients.
Acknowledgements:
Dr Maureen Baker RCGP; Dr George Kassianos RCGP; Dr Andrew Burnett, Barnet PCT DPH.