1,000 RSV vaccines administered at UCLH

UCLH is celebrating the delivery of its 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 thanks to an innovative model, developed by staff at UCLH, involving a dedicated vaccination nurse based outside the antenatal clinic who can talk to pregnant women and offer them the jab there and then. Prior notification of this via the MyCare App means mothers can read the information leaflets and know what to expect before they arrive. They 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.”

The model is also having a positive impact on flu and COVID-19 vaccine delivery, as these 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 one thousand mark for RSV vaccines and their success has not gone unnoticed, with UCLH presenting on the detail of the model to other maternity units across North Central London.

Congratulations to all those involved!