Updates - -
Registering patients as carers
It may be that you will be contacted by patients who are carers under this definition asking to be registered as such, who you were previously unaware of.
Additional cohort of patients identified as at high risk from COVID-19
A letter was sent to GPs which contains important information about how this group has been identified and how they should be prioritised for vaccination, as well as the advice they should follow.
Vaccinating people with a learning disability
Those with a severe and profound learning disability are eligible for the vaccine as part of cohort 6 and are an important patient group we must ensure we reach.
People with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) vaccine prioritisation
People with SMI face reduced life expectancy of 15-20 years when compared to the general population and have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. As such, people with SMI are included in group 6 of the JCVI’s prioritisation list for the COVID-19 vaccination.
Updates to the COVID-19 vaccination Enhanced Service
Under the revised terms and subject to commissioner approval, a PCN grouping can vaccinate eligible patients registered with another PCN grouping in a residential setting
Guidance for investigating and managing individuals with a possible or confirmed COVID-19 Variant
This guidance is for healthcare staff in primary and secondary care and provides advice on the investigation and management of patients who may be infected with a new SARS-CoV-2 VOC or VUI.
Post-vaccine waiting room animation
This animation reinforces the importance of following COVID-19 guidelines after people have been vaccinated.
Utilisation of nationally recruited clinical and volunteer roles
There is a large national workforce pool of trained and vetted candidates who are available to support local vaccination services on a flexible basis. These individuals can be accessed through Lead Employers in each Integrated Care System.
COVID-19 vaccination of patients prior to immunosuppression
Colleagues are asked to review the changes in the Green Book which provide national guidance around vaccinating patients before immunosuppression. Full reference to the guidance and further information is available if you are delivering the vaccines within a hospital hub or at a local vaccination site.
COVID-19 vaccination of patients who are HIV positive
The Green Book is clear that people living with HIV, at all stages of infection, should be offered the COVID-19 vaccination due to the associated immunosuppression. These individuals, because of their underlying health condition, are part of cohort 6 for COVID-19 vaccination as defined within the JCVI guidance.
Guidance on vaccinating those aged under 18
The AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine is not licensed for use in those under the age of 18. Should any young staff members or volunteers (aged 16-17) present to a vaccination centre for vaccination, they should be referred to their GP or local hospital hub where they can access the Pfizer vaccine which is authorised for this age group.
Applying for the 2019/20 Pension Annual Allowance Charge Compensation Policy
GPs retiring by 31 March 2021 who believe they are eligible to apply for the 2019/20 Pensions Annual Allowance Charge Compensation Policy can submit their application form via PCSE from Monday 22 February 2021 to Sunday 21 March 2021.