What immunisations should I offer? Can I offer immunisations not on the national immunisation schedule?

Procuring Vaccines Can Be Challenging

In private practice, obtaining vaccines might be a bit of a different game compared to the NHS. For those occasional vaccines, local pharmacies can be a great partner. You can request your patients to obtain the vaccine themselves with a prescription or order directly through a signed order. This requires your clinic's details on headed paper and must be signed alongside the specifics of the vaccine you're procuring.

If you're after a more consistent supply, consider setting up an account with pharmaceutical suppliers like AAH Pharmaceuticals or Vaxishop. This approach gives you access to a wider range of vaccines, although it does entail some setup.

How to Store the Vaccines?

Vaccines need to be stored under stringent conditions, maintaining the cold chain from source to administration. This means having a serviced fridge that consistently maintains the required temperature, and it should be checked daily. Adhering to these standards not only ensures compliance but importantly, maintains the efficacy of the vaccine.

National Immunisation Protocols

As a private GP, you might face requests from patients to follow their home country's immunisation schedule, even if they reside in the UK. For example, you might find yourself referring to immunisation protocols from countries like the US or Australia. Ensuring you have robust documentation is key, especially if decisions deviate from the UK's own guidelines.

"You might be asked to administer single vaccines for Mumps, Measles, or Rubella—options less recommended by the JCVI in favour of the MMR vaccine."

This is to ensure the most comprehensive coverage quickly, plus concerns linger about single-dose vaccines being imported and potential cold chain interruptions during their journey to the UK.

Pharmacies now handle a growing chunk of straightforward immunisation. However, as a private GP, you might provide vaccines like the early measles shot from 9 months. So staying updated with the latest protocols is vital. The Green Book is an invaluable resource for anyone practising immunisation; consider it your go-to guide.

Lastly, offering vaccines not on the UK schedule can differentiate your practice and cater to public demand, like for Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, and Pertussis, provided you base your offerings on solid evidence. It’s about maintaining excellence and safety in patient care while adapting to their needs.