Staff at University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) have been celebrating the delivery of the 1,000th respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant women following the rollout of the new national programme in September.
The rapid rise to this milestone is down to an innovative model of delivery that staff at the trust developed. The arrangement sees a dedicated vaccination nurse based outside the antenatal clinic for the whole of the working day who can talk to pregnant women and offer them the jab there and then. Prior notification of the vaccination clinic via the MyCare App means the mother can read the information leaflets and knows what to expect before she arrives. The mother can attend the clinic as either a booked appointment or as a ‘walk-in’ and slots are available at weekends.
Speaking about the milestone Deborah Scott, Senior Clinical Lead for Vaccination said, “The collaboration between the midwifery team and the vaccine team has been fantastic. It has allowed the midwives time to concentrate on delivering all the important information and advice about pregnancy during their antenatal appointment. By positioning the experienced vaccine nurses in the same clinic, it means any questions or concerns specifically about the vaccines can be answered.”
Claire Kennard, Lead Midwife for Immunisations said, “The service has been invaluable in improving access to vaccines for pregnant women at UCLH which is demonstrated by the positive feedback from women and midwives alike. Midwives feel particularly supported knowing there is someone experienced present to answer questions.”
The model is having a positive impact on flu and COVID-19 vaccination delivery, as vaccines can be co-administered. UCLH is also celebrating the delivery of its 1000th flu vaccine this week, up from the 610 vaccines delivered during the Autumn 2023 campaign.
UCLH is the first London Trust to hit the 1,000 mark for RSV vaccines and their success has not gone unnoticed, with ULCH presenting on the detail of the model to other maternity units.
Congratulations to all those involved with this very successful campaign.