💉 Pertussis Vaccination in GP Practice

• 📊 New Data: UKHSA reports 1,888 pertussis cases in April 2024.

• 👶 High Risk: Infants are at high risk of severe complications; 8 infants died in early 2024.

• 🤰 Vaccination Timing: Offer from week 16 of pregnancy up to delivery; also available up to 8 weeks post-delivery.

• 🗓️ Routine Immunisation: Part of NHS childhood immunisation programme; ensure to code/record vaccinations.

• 🆕 Vaccine Change: ADACEL (Tdap) replaces Boostrix-IPV (dTaP/IPV) from 1 July 2024. If ADACEL isn't available, use Boostrix-IPV.

🌐 Resources:

• Pertussis Vaccination e-Learning : https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Catalogue/Index?HierarchyId=0_39333_39397_39404&programmeId=39333

• Whooping Cough Vaccination in Pregnancy Guide: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/resources-to-support-whooping-cough-vaccination/whooping-cough-vaccination-in-pregnancy-guide

  
  

• NHS Vaccination Standards: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/general-practice-vaccination-and-immunisation-services-standards-and-core-contractual-requirements/

  
  

• 🧰 Communications Toolkit: UKHSA provides resources to promote pertussis vaccination to pregnant women, including a new GIF and video of the 'whoop' sound.

Actions for GP Practices:

• 🏥 Responsibility: GPs must offer and record pertussis vaccinations; maternity units may also offer them.

• 🤝 PCN Collaboration: Work with PCNs to provide and support vaccination uptake during core and enhanced hours.

• 📚 Stay Informed: Utilise provided resources to stay updated on vaccination protocols and educational materials.

References:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pertussis-epidemiology-in-england-2024/confirmed-cases-of-pertussis-in-england-by-month

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prenatal-pertussis-vaccine-change-from-july-2024-letter

• https://portal.immform.phe.gov.uk/Logon.aspx

• https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7487abed915d0e8bf19080/Pertussis_Green_Book_Chapter_24_Ap2016.pdf