Annexe A: summary of key information
Published 15 September 2021
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rotavirus-immunisation-programme-changes-from-september-2021-letter/annexe-a-summary-of-key-information
Timing
This guidance should be implemented for babies born on or after 1 September 2021, who will attend for their routine 8 week immunisations from 27 October 2021.
Patient Group Direction (PGD)
There will be no update to the criteria for exclusion under the rotavirus PGD in relation to this guidance. The current version states that the vaccine should not be given to infants who have Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
Information for parents, caregivers and health professionals
All childhood immunisation leaflets impacted by this change will be updated and available from the PHE Immunisation Collection page, and to order from the Health Publications website.
Updated healthcare information and training materials will be available from the PHE Rotavirus Collection page.
An algorithm for the process of checking for SCID screening results at the routine 8-week appointment will be developed and available from the PHE Rotavirus Collection page. It is advised that practices use this algorithm in their local protocols.
For advice on at-risk groups, incomplete vaccination and those vaccinated abroad, please see the Green Book chapter and the Information for healthcare practitioners.
Further communications will become available through Vaccine Update and the NHSEI Primary Care Bulletin.
Child Health Information Systems (CHIS)
It is advisable that invitation letters for childhood immunisation appointments include a reminder for parents and caregivers to bring along the child’s Red Book, and the letter with the outcome of the newborn bloodspot screening.
The GP practice must upload the SCID screening result, or screening not offered, to their patient records so that it is available and easy to locate on the system at the 8 week routine immunisation appointment.