Immunisation training for health professionals

Background

As you will be aware, a number of changes to the immunisation programme in Northern Ireland will be taking place over the coming months. These reflect recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the independent expert advisory group on vaccines for the UK. The changes will be introduced in the other parts of the UK as well.

These include the introduction of a new oral vaccine into the infant immunisation schedule to protect infants against rotavirus. Rotavirus is the commonest cause of gastroenteritis among young children and results in a significant number of young children being admitted to hospital each year.

They also include changes to the Men C vaccine schedule.

Other changes are the phased introduction of flu vaccine for all children aged 2 – 16 years inclusive and shingles vaccine for older people.

Rationale of resource

This resource is designed to support registered healthcare practitioners involved in discussing vaccination with parents/guardians and providing them with evidence based information about vaccination and guidance on the administration of the new vaccines.