The pilot focuses on three key areas: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has launched a new NHS England pilot programme designed to make it easier for patients to receive routine, seasonal and catch-up vaccinations whilst receiving hospital care.
The Trust is one of a small number of NHS England pilot sites testing a new approach to improving vaccination uptake and preventing serious illness by identifying opportunities to vaccinate patients during hospital appointments, inpatient stays and specialist care.
The service is led by dedicated Immunisation Nurse Laura South, employed by Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust and commissioned by NHS England.
Working across inpatient, outpatient and specialist services, Laura will help identify eligible patients and support them to receive vaccinations that may otherwise be missed.
Laura South, Immunisation Nurse, said: "It's great to be involved in this NHS England pilot, making it easier for patients to access important vaccinations while they're already receiving care and helping protect them this winter and beyond."
- Supporting adults and children to catch up on missed MMR vaccinations
- Improving access to respiratory and seasonal vaccinations, including flu, RSV, COVID-19, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines
- Supporting vulnerable patient groups, including people receiving care through Learning Disability, Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT), Haematology and Oncology services
The programme recognises that many patients already attending hospital may be eligible for vaccinations they have missed or could benefit from additional protection against seasonal illness.
By offering vaccination support as part of routine care, the pilot creates more opportunities for patients to get protected without needing a separate appointment.
Kelly McGovern, Chief Nurse at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "This pilot is about making it easier for patients to get the protection they need. Whether it's helping someone catch up on a missed vaccination or offering protection against seasonal illnesses, every opportunity to support people to stay well is important."
As well as supporting patients directly, the service will help colleagues across the Trust feel confident in having conversations about vaccination and making referrals where appropriate.
Patients attending West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals who would like to find out more should speak to a member of staff during their visit.