The world of travel health has just gotten a little more exciting with the recent approval in the UK of IXCHIQ®, the first-ever vaccine designed to protect adults against the debilitating Chikungunya virus. This ground-breaking development, marks a crucial step forward in safeguarding travellers and individuals in endemic regions. What is Chikungunya? Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne […]
Travelling abroad provides valuable opportunities to explore new perspectives, cultures and experiences. However, for individuals managing chronic conditions, venturing far from home can bring unique challenges and uncertainties. Planning for travel when you have a long-term health condition involves extra considerations. Yet, with careful preparation and informed decisions, travellers with chronic conditions can embark on […]
Dengue (sometimes known as breakbone fever) is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), a mosquito-borne flaviviruses which is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. The dengue virus has four different serotypes: DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3, and DENV 4. Whilst human infection is often asymptomatic […]
Deprescribing in my opinion can be more important than the act of prescribing but what does this involve? Deprescribing is a term first used in 2003 and is defined by deprescribing.org as ‘planned and supervised process of dose reduction or stopping of medication that might be causing harm or no longer be of benefit’. Deprescribing […]
As healthcare systems face increasing demand, the importance of early intervention and accessible care has never been more critical. The Pharmacy First initiative, launched in January 2024, offers a ground-breaking solution by empowering local pharmacies to manage seven common conditions, reducing the need for specialist care and alleviating pressure on GP surgeries and emergency services. […]
As healthcare professionals, safeguarding public health is at the heart of what we do, especially when it comes to preventing the spread of infectious diseases like influenza. The NHS Flu Vaccination Programme is a critical initiative designed to protect the most vulnerable populations through targeted vaccination efforts. Prioritising clinical risk groups for vaccination is essential […]
The beauty of working within General Practice is the variety of the day and the queries presented are no exception. As Clinical Pharmacists within Primary Care we have all undoubtedly been faced with the ‘side effect query’ and the deciphering that then follows – upon writing this I have just completed a clinic that seemed […]
Before you ask, no, we haven’t gone back in time…it’s still 2024 and despite it being the middle of the summer, we are in fact, fast approaching the flu season! The NHS England has now confirmed the start dates for the 2024/25 flu vaccine programme with two main risk groups prioritised for the initial rollout; […]
Health Care Support Workers (HCSWs) play a crucial role in the delivery of the flu vaccination campaign every year. In the second part of our blog series Get Prepped for Flu– we will look at the immunisation and flu training requirements for HCSWs in relation to the National Minimum Standards and Core Curriculum for Immunisation […]
Flu vaccination significantly reduces flu-related illness, hospitalisation, and death, easing the burden on health and social care services. Comprehensive and continuous training is essential to ensure healthcare professionals are well-prepared, supported, and informed about current guidelines. This is crucial for the success of the vaccination programme in safeguarding public health during the demanding winter season […]
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