Invitation to the online IPW Lecture Implementing a national vaccination programme in a pandemic: Experiences from the UK
Lecturers:
Dr David Seamark PhD FRCGP, General Practitioner and Researcher, Honiton Surgery, Devon
Dr Clare Seamark MD FRCGP, General Practitioner and Researcher, Honiton Surgery, Devon
Moderation: Wanda Spahl (IPW | University of Vienna)
When: Tuesday, 20 April 2021, 16:00 CET
Where: Online - direct access link
Abstract:
This talk will provide an overview of the logistics and scale of the UK’s national Covid-19 vaccination programme through the eyes of two frontline healthcare workers who have been involved in the programme since the beginning. It will illustrate key features contributing to the success of the programme, as well as challenges associated with it.
Since Edward Jenner first set up his vaccination clinic in 1796, for the prevention of Smallpox, the British people have developed a strong affinity with vaccination. The introduction of universal healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has enabled largescale vaccination programmes to be carried out. The Covid-19 pandemic has illustrated the flexibility and responsiveness of a national service to deliver a national vaccination service at scale and speed.
Two main strands deliver the vaccine. First, primary care led centres in General Practitioner (GP) health centres, community facilities and pharmacies. Second, a national service based on very large centres capable of delivering 1000s of vaccines a day on most days.
The two strands are co-ordinated centrally but there can be some problems of overlap at times and with vaccine supply dates. A centralized IT system helps the recording of progress in real time, with confirmation of vaccination sent to the patient’s GP records within 24 hours. Primary care uses local knowledge to contact and encourage patient attendance and to provide a domiciliary service for house bound patients.
An event within the IPW Lectures, an international lecture series of the Department for Political Science, University of Vienna.
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