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Updates & News
You didn’t come this far to stop learning
June 2026
UPDATES FOR ALL
This seminar looks good and is FREE! Re-thinking pandemic preparedness. This event will explore the current landscape of pandemic preparedness, who it serves and what learnings can be taken from social science research to better inform future preparedness. Date: 17 June 2026 Time: 12:30 – 14:00 UK time Location: Keppel Street LG19 or online
4th June: Flu briefings for primary and secondary schools added to the 2026 to 2027 flu collection.
5th June: Vaccination of individuals with uncertain or incomplete immunisation algorithm updated again: Print versions updated to reflect the changes to the RSV programme in that all adult resident in care homes are now eligible for RSV vaccination.
9th June: There has been an amendment or two to the annual flu letter. The flu Green Book chapter has also been updated to reflect that people experiencing homelessness have been added to eligible risk groups.
10th June: Will the World Cup kick off disease outbreaks? Don’t expect pathogens to steal the show, says research group that studied the risk of visiting fans spreading infections.
10th June: Much needed: Understanding and addressing immunisation inequities toolkit. A toolkit to support local and regional stakeholders to understand and act on immunisation inequities in the populations they serve.
10th June: US measles cases pass 2,000 this year as outbreak nears worst in decades. The US has recorded more than 2,000 confirmed measles cases so far this year – near the total of 2,228 recorded in all of 2025, and on track to become the worst year for measles in decades
11th June: Latest measles figures published as two deaths confirmed in 2026
18th June: We have a flu VGD!!! And also the PGD has landed.
22nd May: Vaccine update has landed!
25th June: As part of the GP contract, practices are required to take part in an annual national vaccine catch-up campaign. NHSE has confirmed that this year’s focus on MMR/V follows recent measles outbreaks and the removal of England’s measles elimination status. So, from 7 July 2026, there will be a six-week national invitation campaign for children aged 6 to 11 years who appear to be missing one or two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Parents and guardians will be advised to contact their child’s GP practice to book vaccination, or to request that records are updated if two doses have already been given. If you work in General Practice, make sure you have have sufficient appointment and vaccine capacity to manage the expected increase in demand for MMR/V vaccination.
25th June: Following JCVI advice, the autumn/winter 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme will run (alongside flu) from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027. Eligible cohorts are the same as last year: adults aged 75 years and over; residents in a care home for older adults; and individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the ‘immunosuppression’ sections of tables three or four in the COVID-19 chapter of the green book).
CHILDHOOD/ADOLESCENT/YOUNG ADULT IMMUNISATION NEWS
4th June: Flu briefings for primary and secondary schools added to the 2026 to 2027 flu collection.
12th June: GREAT MenB news (although I have to admit finding out about this on BBC news)!! Meningitis B vaccine to be offered to a million young people. While each nation has slightly different plans, the one-off MenB vaccination programme (2 doses 28d apart) will broadly be available to:
Most pupils completing Year 13 or S6 in the summer of 2026 - irrespective of their education plans. (Most children from this age group who are not currently in school will also be eligible.)
Young people aged 18-25 starting university or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026
Here's what UKHSA have to say about it in their press release.
16th June: More info about the MenB implementation - find everything you need here. And the letter is here. Community pharmacies are commissioned under an advanced service specification. The limited PGD is also in situ now. The size of the eligible cohort of patients is estimated to be around 1 million people.
18th June: A new study has found the HPV vaccine has saved around 200 lives in England so far. As part of this, between 2020 and 2024, there were no deaths recorded in women aged 20 to 24 from cervical cancer. Reported in the Guardian - and this is the Lancet study.
Electronic Red Books? What did I just accidentally discover....?
25th June: The latest UKHSA COVER data for January to March 2026 shows a small fall in routine childhood vaccination coverage compared with the previous quarter, including decreases in uptake of the 6-in-1, pneumococcal, rotavirus and MenB vaccines measured at 12 months, and a slight fall in MMR1 coverage at 24 months. There were small increases in some measures taken at 5 years, including MMR1, MMR2 and the pre-school booster, and Scotland and Wales met the WHO 95% target for both 6-in-1 and MMR1 coverage measured at 5 years. However, coverage remains uneven, with the lowest uptake seen in London and more deprived areas. Overall, coverage remains below the higher levels seen over the last decade, suggesting the longer-term downward trend has not yet been reversed. This quarter’s figures are not dramatic in isolation, but they are concerning because they sit within a wider pattern of declining childhood vaccine uptake. The main message for practice is the importance of opportunistic checking, accurate recording, recall systems and clear conversations with parents, particularly in areas where coverage is lowest. Interestingly, regarding the million dollar question around MMRV uptake, they also state "Sufficient data is not yet available to assess whether the introduction of the 18 month appointment has improved coverage of MMRV dose 1, nor to assess coverage of MMRV dose 2, but these will be addressed in future publications."
TRAVEL HEALTH NEWS
NECTM10 in Belfast this month was awesome. Came away with lots of new ideas for additions to the site so I will be busy updating things after I have finished my reflections. The conference felt like a family reunion. Great to be around so many wonderful people in this amazing field of practice. Loved it.
Incidentally, while we are on the topic of education, the RCPSG are putting on more free short 'Let's Talk Travel Health' webinars this year which you may want to sign up for. They were very informative last year and I have already booked my place! Find the booking link here (and also in my CPD section so it doesn't get lost in the news feed).
2nd June: Phase 1 clinical trial set to begin on first leishmaniasis vaccine
8th June: Oh no!! Butantan dengue vaccine temporarily suspended in Brazil after two deaths and 42 severe adverse events among 500 000 recipients
12th June: Thought it was time for a cholera blog. I've neglected cholera recently. Here it is: Keep Calm and Give Cholera Vaccine: Navigating Cholera Vaccination in General Practice.
15th June: WHO issues first ever guidance to advance child-focused dengue treatments and Dengue: Brazil suspends rollout of new vaccine after two deaths
16th June: Africa CDC head warns Ebola outbreak could be worst ever
17th June: New and updated HTML version of the malaria guidelines - check it out!!! IMPORTANT: NaTHNaC are in the process of updating the appropriate country-specific malaria changes on their individual country pages. In the interim period, the UKMEAG Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK should be consulted for the most up to date country recommendations. Refer to their alert about this here. Don't forget to double check!!!
19th June: Rabies post exposure risk assessment form and calendar updated to V7. Note the phone number change.
20th June: A six-year-old Ebola patient and her mother are missing after armed men stormed an Ebola treatment centre in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing outbreak response teams.
June 2026: Valneva Supply Update: Valneva reports that supplies of Dukoral remain good. However, Ixiaro is currently out of stock, with resupply expected in late August or early September, although some wholesalers may still have stock available. Ixchiq is also currently unavailable, with resupply anticipated in September. Don't forget you can sign up for stock alerts via Valneva’s supply notification service. Valneva also has a great range of educational materials, including downloadable posters and videos covering chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, cholera, and mosquito-borne diseases.
ADULT IMMUNISATION NEWS
5th June: RSV training materials update: The link to the maternal vaccination slide set has been updated. Not surprising that the GREEN BOOK has also been updated to reflect the adult prog changes and also to include the MHRA approval of clesrovimab.
11th June: Inadvertent vaccination in pregnancy (VIP) guidance updated. (Advice for health professionals on pregnant women who are inadvertently vaccinated against chicken pox (varicella), shingles or measles, mumps, rubella).
CLICK ON A VACCINE FOR A DEEPER DIVE (all the news items also go into the individual portals if you want to concentrate on updates for a specific disease)
My reading list this month:
WHO news: Unsafe food causes 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths annually. Young children are at highest risk.
A revolutionary new vaccine approach! A vaccine that could protect against viruses and prevent pandemics has been designed by AI. The vaccine is been designed to work on all coronaviruses and it is hoped a separate vaccine could be used for flu and Ebola...Exciting stuff eh? (BBC article)
EU secures emergency deliveries of potential treatment against hantavirus
WHO drastically downsizes Ebola case count in DR Congo outbreak
CDC report: Ebola outbreak could rival the worst on record unless world acts
Tools to fight hantavirus show promise despite limited funding. Now researchers hope to continue
Three Ebola vaccine candidates fast-tracked as African outbreak continues
Three Ebola vaccines in development amid growing outbreak fears
CEPI fast-tracks three Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidates
Outdoor mosquito control must be part of integrated mosquito management
Thailand advances malaria elimination with approval of paediatric tafenoquine
Trump Order Tells CDC to Align With Study Calling for Fewer Childhood Vaccines (grrrr)
Dengue virus infection in travellers after dengue vaccination, Germany 2023–24
First-in-Human Clinical Trial Shows Promising Results for New Lassa Fever Vaccine
A cracked coffin, a funeral and the hunt for Ebola's patient zero
The behind-the-scenes work of protecting World Cup fans from infectious diseases
Australia’s diphtheria outbreak shows why boosters, antibiotics, and better housing all matter
V interesting (and a bit sad too :-() Innovation Interrupted. This interactive tool documents a selection of the projects that have been impacted by the US funding changes. Added it to my 'future of vaccines' page too so it doesn't get lost in the newsfeed.
Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine gets thumbs up from federal vaccine panel
Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine candidates could enter Phase 1 trials as early as July
Politics :-( HHS asks for expedited appeal of court ruling on US vaccine policy
May 2026
UPDATES FOR ALL
8th May: Patient group direction (PGD) template published to support the provision of MMR vaccine to individuals with a date of birth on or after 1 January 2020.
7th May: UPDATED ALGORITHM! Vaccination of individuals with uncertain or incomplete immunisation status: from April 2026. Updated to reflect changes to the RSV programme, all adults resident in care homes now eligible for RSV vaccination.
14th May: Following confirmation of the outbreak of Andes virus (ANDV), a species of hantavirus, information on infection prevention and control measures for asymptomatic contacts, clinically suspected and confirmed cases has been published. The document includes details about case definition, infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings, including primary care, community and outpatient settings and risk assessment. It also includes a useful link to clinical pathway actions cards for primary care settings. Evacuations are well underway from the cruise ship. Up to 150 people have started flying home aboard military and government planes, including 22 British passengers.
14th May: Flu chapter of the Green Book updated to include advice on those living with homelessness.
14th May: Oh no!! another MenB death: Student dies and two people being treated after meningitis outbreak in Reading (not the same strain of MenB as Kent).
20th May: This useful guidance has had a re-vamp and I've added it the immunisation guidance section too so it doesn't get lost in the news feed. SPS Vaccines and immunisation: resources to support clinical decisions.
28th May: All the flu vaccine uptake data has landed for 25/26. Seems to be the usual patterns but slight increases across most eligible risk groups. Check out my flu portal for all the details. Also the annual epidemiological report has come in too. If you just want the summary, The main messages of the 2025 to 2026 season are:
The season started in the second half of October 2025 in children and young adults with rising influenza A(H3N2) activity. It peaked around the second week of December (2025) and declined after.
The 2025 to 2026 season was dominated by influenza A(H3N2) subclade K.
Activity started earlier than in the 2024 to 2025 season but also declined earlier and the overall level of activity over the course of the season was lower.
Mortality estimates were lower than in the 2024 to 2025 season.
Vaccine coverage in adults and children was overall similar to the 2024 to 2025 season.
Overall vaccine effectiveness (VE) in adults was lower than last season at 21 to 34%. In children, VE was 51 to 68%.
Modelling indicated that, in England, the vaccination programme prevented an estimated 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths.
CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION NEWS
These two documents have been updated with data up to Dec 2025: Pneumococcal disease: cases caused by serotypes covered by Prevenar 13 vaccine and Pneumococcal disease: cases caused by serotypes not in Prevenar 13 vaccine. This UKHSA surveillance data demonstrates that the PCV13 programme has been highly successful in reducing invasive pneumococcal disease caused by vaccine serotypes. Since its introduction, cases of PCV13-type IPD have fallen dramatically across all age groups, particularly in children under 5 years, with additional herd protection seen in older adults through reduced transmission. Although the companion 'not covered by' report shows a rise in disease caused by non-PCV13 serotypes over time (serotype replacement), overall IPD rates remain substantially lower than before pneumococcal conjugate vaccines were introduced. Together, the reports highlight both the major public health success of PCV13 and the need for newer higher-valency vaccines to address changing serotype patterns.
13th May: Nirsevimab may protect babies from severe RSV better than maternal vaccination
20th May 2026: Important notice from GSK about reconstitution of MMRV Priorix Tetra.
TRAVEL HEALTH NEWS
Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak: WHO and UKHSA are monitoring the hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, with the risk to the UK public currently assessed as very low (phew). More about it here in the Guardian. And here's some info from the UKHSA. And some from the BMJ here: Hantavirus: French and US nationals test positive as cruise ship docks in Canary Islands. Some information from the BBC regarding vaccine development here. This isn't great news: Hantavirus may survive in human sperm for up to six years and cause a transmission risk
Celebrating Pride abroad? Have a read of this factsheet.
A Scottish Health Board has confirmed 16 cases of cryptosporidiosis, linked to a lamb-feeding experience: NHS Lothian confirms 16 infection cases linked to Edinburgh farm event.
Hepatitis A outbreak in Wales: Parents in Wales urged to ‘be vigilant’ about hand-washing amid hepatitis A outbreak
12th May: RTS,S malaria vaccine averted 1 in 8 deaths among eligible kids in 3 African nations over 4 years
15th May: New outbreak of Ebola kills 80 in eastern DR Congo
17th May: WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda ‘emergency’ of international concern'
18th May: WHO to give update on hantavirus and Ebola after outbreaks
19th May: Over 500 suspected cases of ebolavirus reported in central Africa as outbreak develops. NaTHNaC are on it with advice!
22nd May: Australia is battling its worst diphtheria outbreak in decades. But vaccines could curb it
21st May: The Guardian reports concerns about the increase in risk of snakebites. It is predicted more snakes will come into contact with people due to increased temperatures, including some of the most deadly snakes being in areas they wouldn't normally be in.
26th May: Lyme disease cases in England rise 20% in a year
27th May: Updated Hajj factsheet from NaTHNaC.
30th May: Bleak news from the BMJ to finish off the month of May :-( Ebola in numbers: Aid agencies warn current outbreak may become “deadliest on record”. And also is chikungunya going to become endemic in Europe and North America due to climate change?
ADULT IMMUNISATION NEWS
7th May: Vaccine uptake data for the RSV vaccination programme for older adults is here. Seems to be on the increase, but uptake in the most deprived decile was 50.3% and in the least deprived decile was 71.8% so big inequalities there. Also, uptake varied by ethnic group, with the highest uptake reported among White - British (67.1%) and the lowest among Asian or Asian British - Pakistani (24.9%). Uptake for the maternal vaccine programme is also updated and at about 63% with the highest uptake reported in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB (76.6%) and the lowest in Birmingham and Solihull (43.4%). Uptake varied by ethnic group again, with the highest uptake reported among the Chinese ethnic group (76.2%) and the lowest among the Black - Caribbean ethnic group (34.2%)
11th May: Study shows doxyPEP’s diminished effectiveness against gonorrhea
29th May: New document published!! The national gonorrhoea vaccination programme using 4CMenB vaccine: frequently asked questions. I've added it to the portal so it doesn't get lost.
My reading list this month:
Time requirements of pre-acclimatization at simulated altitude to prevent acute mountain sickness
UK scientists developing Ebola vaccine that could be ready for trials in months
Cases of Lyme disease in England have risen by 22% in the last year.
Hantavirus outbreak 2026: International responses and key documents
EMA launches new advisory group on vaccine confidence - exciting stuff!!!
Towards national guidance on dengue and chikungunya vaccination in travellers: Lessons from global recommendations. This was really interesting and contains a useful table summarising the different recommendations around the world for IXCHIC and Qdenga.
Why vaccinations are essential for summer travellers - great topical blog by the lovely Dr Oliver Koch
World Cup health security hub launched as measles surges: There are worries around diseases like measles surging as millions of football fans travel across North America for the tournament.
New Evidence Review Affirms Strong Safety and Effectiveness of HPV Vaccines
Aluminium adjuvants in vaccines and potential health effects: systematic review (BMJ). The researchers found only one, benign medical condition potentially related to certain aluminum-containing vaccines: small skin nodules that go away on their own. Fewer than 1% of people given vaccines that prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) develop these nodules.
New vaccine approach targets broad protection against arenavirus infections. promising findings that may support development of a broader vaccine against arenaviruses — a family of viruses with pandemic potential that share similarities with hantaviruses in how they spread and behave.
I learned a new word in May!! Insilication is a new groundbreaking method for encasing vaccines with very tiny layers of inorganic material to make them thermally stable. Much needed!!
April 2026
UPDATES FOR ALL
Goodbye National Protocols! Hello Vaccine Group Directions! What am I on about? A very useful webinar explaining this in detail can be found at the bottom of this page on SPS. And here is the COVID-19 one!! Get a brew and a biscuit before you click the link.
In case you missed it due to buying Easter eggs (understandable, I did too), also see the vaccination requirements in the updated Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service. It has been updated to include requirements for PCNs to ensure that eligible care home residents are identified and offered flu vaccines. While PCNs are not required to deliver the vaccinations themselves, they must have arrangements in place to ensure residents are offered vaccination. And the Mandatory Network Agreement has been amended to remove the exclusion of Adult Influenza and COVID‑19 vaccination from collaborative delivery, meaning practices can now work together to deliver the seasonal vaccination Enhanced Service under the Network Contract DES.
1st April: Migrant health guide updated. Main messages: New migrants to the UK may be at increased risk of certain infections. Healthcare practitioners should provide new migrants with the migrant immunisation information leaflet which advises migrants on the need to register with a GP to get up to date with their routine vaccinations. We should always ask new migrants about their vaccine history and assume that patients aren’t immunised, unless they can give a reliable history of vaccination. Individuals do not need to provide proof of identity, address or of immigration status in order to register with a GP practice to access immunisations. This also applies to asylum seekers, refugees, homeless patients or overseas visitors, whether lawfully in the UK or not.
1st April: Well worth a re-read of chapter 11 in the the green book now it's had a revamp.
13th April: The COVID Spring boosters have begun! Good luck with your clinics :-) NHS England uses the most recent records to invite those eligible for vaccination but, as you are probably finding, information in these records may no longer be relevant if the health condition has resolved or the diagnosis or medicines have changed. Remember to encourage people to check if they are eligible before booking by checking the list on the NHS.uk website.
13th April: This document has had a tweak: Information for healthcare practitioners on delivering the pneumococcal vaccination programme for older adults and individuals in a clinical risk group. Updated with guidance on PCV13 given in error to those aged 2 years and above, and clarification of PCV21 antigen content.
15th April: Also, why not take the chance to re-read the measles. mumps, and rubella Green Book chapters now they have been edited (and re-published) to incorporate MMRV...
...And while we are on measles...Nearly 20 million lives saved in Africa through measles vaccinations
16th April: Mega sad :-( and a good reminder of being vigilant about this horrible disease (especially in the absence of a routine vaccine programme for all): Five newborn babies die from mpox in Pakistan.
16th April: Vaccine update is here. I won't repeat the details here so have a good read! Lots of useful reminders and updates in there. Here are the 'headlines':
More in there about VGD's and the changed medicine regulations.
More about the RSV expansion and reminders of some key documents and guidance.
Some Green Book chapter updates
ImmForm info and reminders and vaccine supply updates
More about the Pneumococcal vaccine change and vaccine presentation (PCV20 has no needles included just FYI - still PFS though)
Same kind of updates and reminders for MMRV
Goodbye to Menitorix from national stock and some final goodbyes to the flu season
Rabies vaccine shortages- it mentions Bavarian Nordics' Rabipur is available with restricted supply until early April and Sanofi's Verorab is available to order with some restrictions – capped at 50 doses per month for wholesalers.
22nd April: Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins
This month it's second MenB dose time for the eligible Kent students. It is important that everyone who had dose one is given their second dose from four weeks after the first. For those who were offered the MenB vaccine and have not yet received their first dose they remain eligible until 8 May. For students who have returned to university, they will be able to access their second dose at vaccination clinics which are arranged in the local area. For those students who have not returned to the university, they should access vaccination at their own GP practice.
30th April 2026: Resources and information have been published relating to the UKHSA's investigation of the meningococcal bacteria carriage amongst the students aged 18 to 24 in Kent which will be taking place from May 2026.
NHSE has now published the GP additional guidance for seasonal vaccinations 2026/27. This provides information on recording COVID-19 and influenza vaccination events and payments, including where practices are collaborating in their PCNs. In previous years this guidance has only covered the influenza programme. For 2026/27 it has been expanded to cover both the COVID-19 and influenza programmes.
CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION NEWS
6th April: Emergency jabs after 100 children die of suspected measles in a month in Bangladesh. About a third of those infected in the recent outbreak were under nine months old. A painful reminder about vaccines protecting via herd immunity as well as directly.
7th April: Speaking of measles, this MMRV and MMR vaccination training slide set has been updated. I've posted a good little video in purple below, which goes into measles a bit - with a thought experiment on what might happen if we didn't vaccinate against measles and a comparison of the risk/benefit.
14th April 2026: New research highlights strong benefits of HPV vaccines beyond cervical cancer. For example, Men and boys who received the HPV vaccine from ages 9 to 26 were nearly 50% less likely to develop cancers of the head and neck, esophagus, anus, or penis. A study published in December found that HPV vaccine prevent precancers of the vagina and vulva. Two recent studies suggest that HPV vaccines have created herd immunity, which occurs when vaccinations lower levels of viruses in a population enough to protect even unvaccinated people.
17th April: Encouraging news story. "RSV maternal vaccine cuts baby hospital admissions by up to 85%, Largest real-world study in England confirms premature infants protected by vaccination." The study followed nearly 300,000 babies born between September 2024 and March 2025, representing around 90% of all births in England during this period. More than 4,500 hospitalisations occurred in this cohort, the vast majority in infants whose mothers had not been vaccinated.
TRAVEL HEALTH NEWS
Registration is now open for CISTM20! It's in Bangkok, Thailand from 2–5 May 2027, where clinicians, researchers, educators and public health professionals from around the world will gather for another milestone event.
A new study led by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that Anopheles darlingi mosquitoes, a leading malaria vector in South America, are evolving resistance to insecticides, creating serious challenges for malaria control.
Virus with links to yellow fever discovered in Scotland for first time (Usutu)
Rabies advice from NaTHNaC amidst the shortage... one of the recommendations is to consider an alternative licensed regime (I.E. 0,7d). A sensible approach from an immunity perspective. Lots of evidence for two dose schedules. See this blog for why it's not considered a 'standard' UK approach (albeit when we have plentiful supplies).
25th April: On World Malaria Day (25 April), the WHO joins partners to launch the campaign: "Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must". Since 2000, 2.3 billion cases and 14 million deaths have been averted. To date, 47 countries have been certified malaria-free (of which two in 2024 and three in 2025), while 37 countries reported fewer than 1000 cases in 2024... More like this to come I hope! NaTHNaC explores this further here.
A sad reminder of why packing sterile needles in your medical kit is always a GOOD IDEA!! BBC Eye investigates a hospital linked to outbreak of HIV among children in Pakistan. And read more here too: Hospital at centre of child HIV outbreak caught reusing syringes in undercover filming.
Chikungunya therapy shows promise in first-in-human study
Don't forget the 'lower risk' places!! Hepatitis A is on the rise in Italy: Lazio, Campania, and Puglia are the regions with the most cases. Also CDC issues health warning after outbreak of respiratory diphtheria in Australia.
ADULT IMMUNISATION NEWS
6th April. Just published (but dated 18th March)- could there be another RSV expansion for 64-74yrs? RSV immunisation programme: JCVI advice, 18 March 2026. Statement setting out the findings from JCVI's initial considerations on RSV vaccination in those with underlying health conditions and advice on clinical risk groups for RSV.
2nd April: Shingles uptake and coverage report published (adults in England eligible September 2025 to November 2025 and vaccinated to end of January 2026). Coverage in those aged 66 (33.3%) and 71 (44.6%) is slightly higher than Q1 coverage in those who turned 66 and 71 in 2024 to 2025. Coverage has continued to increase over time in those aged 67 and 72, reaching 45.4% and 56.5% respectively. In the first 4 months of being eligible, so far uptake of Shingrix dose 1 was 18.8% in those who turned 65 in Q1 of 2025 to 2026, uptake of Shingrix dose 1 was 27.0% in those who turned 70, coverage of Shingrix was 26.6% for dose 1 and 20.4% for dose 2 in those who turned 50 and over with severe immunosuppression, and coverage of Shingrix was 2.9% for dose 1 in those who turned 18 to 50 with severe immunosuppression.
2nd April: Prenatal pertussis vaccination coverage in England from October to December 2025 has been published too. This quarterly report evaluates prenatal pertussis vaccine coverage for women who delivered from October 2025 to December 2025, the third quarter of the 2025 to 2026 financial year. The main findings were that:
coverage was 74.8% in October 2025, 75.3% in November 2025 and 75.1% in December 2025
coverage for quarter 3 was 75.0%, which was 7.5 percentage points higher than quarter 3 coverage in the previous financial year
coverage by Commissioning Region ranged from 67.1% in London to 82.4% in the South West
My reading list this month:
The Horrors That Could Lie Ahead if Vaccines Vanish - VERY SOBERING
The US is driving a public health emergency of international concern - Interesting perspective. While a PHEIC has never been declared due to the political actions of a single country, the overriding consideration is risk. The recent U.S. decisions have greatly amplified the risk of international disease spread, which they argue this meets the criteria for a PHEIC under International Health Regulations. The IHRs define a PHEIC as an "extraordinary event" that creates a "public health risk to other states through the international spread of disease."
Beyond the guidelines: real-world challenges in rabies post-exposure prophylaxis
Selfie-related deaths using web epidemiological intelligence tool (2008–2021): a cross-sectional study (restricted access)
Flu vaccination may cut heart attack and stroke risk after infection
IAVI begins first-in-human Phase 1 trial of single-dose Marburg virus vaccine candidate
Time requirements of pre-acclimatization at simulated altitude to prevent acute mountain sickness. Results: Findings from seven controlled studies using repeated intermittent exposures to simulated altitude were included. The cumulative pre-acclimatization time ranged from 7 to 104 hours; altitudes ranged from 2200 to 5000 m. The AMS risk after pre-acclimatization decreased by 12–73% compared to controls, with the degree of reduction depending mainly on the duration at simulated altitude. Extrapolating from these data indicates that, within the analysed altitude range, ~200 hours of pre-acclimatization may reduce the subsequent AMS risk to nearly zero.
Gluten in local Asian cuisines and recommendations for travellers
TB vaccine candidates offer limited protection in phase 3 trial - Neither vaccine in the trial provided protection against all TB, pulmonary TB, and latent TB. But VPM1002 showed a vaccine efficacy (VE) of 50.4% against extrapulmonary TB, which occurs when TB spreads beyond the lungs, and Immuvac had a VE of 33.2% against extrapulmonary TB. VPM1002 and Immuvac showed VE of 64.9% and 66.3%, respectively, against extrapulmonary TB in participants with tuberculin skin-test positivity.
Don’t believe headlines saying that vaccine skepticism is widespread
For a quick recap on how vaccines work and an easy explanation of the mechanisms behind side effects watch this video!
March 2026
UPDATES FOR ALL
This was published in January but adding here (and on this bit of my site) so it doesn't get lost. Could we be seeing a fair few legal and practical changes this year in relation to how immunisations are delivered? Check out the 'PVD' suggestion! Proposal to amend the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to support the ongoing supply and deployment of vaccinations across the UK: consultation response. If, like me, you find it a bit confusing to trawl through (the reg numbers confused me and I had to keep scrolling back up to see which one it was referring to) I have simplified and summarised it here. I re-did the COVID-19 ELFHC course now it's been updated for Spring and noticed they commented about a new legal mechanism being implemented before the campaign starts too... I wonder if this is what it is referring to? (update - it was, see updates further down)
3rd March: Update to the complete routine immunisation poster to add links to the translated versions of the complete routine immunisation schedule and update to the ‘Complete routine immunisation schedule' from 1 January 2026’ html to include adult schedule.
11th March: Vaccine Update has landed!! Shocking wastage statistics in there eeeek. Other highlights in brief: From 1 April 2026, the eligibility criteria for the RSV programme will change to allow people aged 80 years and over, and all residents (regardless of age) in care homes for older adults, to receive the RSV vaccine. Various documents have been updated so do have a browse of those. Also, UKHSA has received emails from several regional Screening and Immunisation Teams to report incidents where Priorix-Tetra has been administered without being reconstituted. This means some kids have just been injected with water. Be super careful to understand the presentation of the products being administered. On the topic of presentation, there is also a note that from spring 2026, the pack size of Rotarix vaccine will change from a single-dose to a 10-dose pack. The vaccine inside remains unchanged. There is also information about the change from PPV23 to PCV20. There is also a reminder to get the final flu vaccine orders in soon before it all closes.
11th March: There has been a survey added to the 'attitudes' collection around pregnant women's attitudes to vaccination. 800 women took part. There is a summary and a related slideset too.
15th March: Mega sad :-( Two die in university meningitis outbreak - not sure which strain yet *Update - it's Menb*. But if it's a vaccine-preventable one it makes it all the more tragic (*Update : turns out it is*). Keep an eye on live updates here. Could we be anticipating a vaccine catch up? (Update: Targeted locally, yes, alongside prophylactic ABX) UKHSA is on it... let's await further news. MenB for adolescents has been discussed for a while now. Those poor students :-( so sad. Here's some more from UKHSA: Latest updates from the ongoing outbreak.
17th March: Meningitis outbreak in Canterbury and east Kent: The Secretary of State Wes Streeting updated the House of Commons on the meningitis outbreak and the latest steps being taken to support those affected.
18th March: Outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease, South East England: This alert outlines recommended courses of action to manage cases with infection and contacts. Also take a look at this: Meningitis B outbreak: what you need to know. AND here is the inevitable letter to ICBs.
18th March: Green book chapter update alert!! COVID-19. Updated vaccine information (types, storage, administrations and dosing) for the Spring 2026 campaign. Sections of the chapter have been restructured for easier use (PHEW!).
17th March 2026: ELfHC module updated, ready for April! Check it out if delivering COVID-19 vaccines. PGD also ready to go.
19th March: Meningococcal disease outbreak resources for those in areas affected by the outbreak: resources to support the meningococcal outbreak response. The Health Secretary says he’s making 20 thousand more vaccines available and everyone who has had antibiotics (the most important immediate action) is also being offered vaccines.
19th March: From the primary care bulletin: MMR vaccinations for practice staff:
"Due to the recent measles outbreaks, GP practices are permitted to administer MMR vaccines to their eligible staff who are registered with another practice under INT (immediately necessary treatment). This is a time limited arrangement from 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026. Completing doses must be administered in accordance with the recommended intervals in the Green Book and by 30 September 2026."
19th March 2026: New COVID-19 vaccine posters!
20th March 2026: MenB strain may have evolved to be more transmissible (BMJ)
21st March 2026: A meningitis B training slide set for healthcare professionals delivering vaccinations is available to download.
23rd March 2026: Meningitis: Kent outbreak “passes peak” as one new suspected case is reported in northwest England (BMJ). In response to the outbreak, over 12,500 young people have received antibiotic treatment and over 9,000 have received vaccinations. This is a pretty incredible effort, well done to those who got on it quickly.
23rd March 2026: Useful bit of info around VGDs from SPS. Interesting that it talks about them being introduced in the past tense in April 2026 (which isn't here yet as I'm writing this haha). SPS are clearly on it with future-proofing their articles! I also had a go at a blog just so I could make myself clear on it (copied SPS logic and went with talking from the future seeing as it looks like it's happening pretty soon). Often writing it down helps me work things out. It's called VGDs, PGDs… OMG? Making Sense of the New Vaccine Rules. A very useful webinar explaining this in detail can be found at the bottom of this page on SPS.
25th March: Kent meningitis outbreak prompts rush for routine vaccinations in England
26th March: Flu uptake data updated. Check out the GP patients uptake here and frontline healthcare workers here. Summary is overall: 65+: 74.5%, clinical risk groups: 40.6%, pregnant women, 38.4%: 2 yr olds: 43.5%, 3yr olds: 44.8%, frontline HCPs: 46.1% (better than the 37.5% compared to last year).
CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION NEWS
5th March: Calling all school nurses! This was just updated: Supporting immunisation programmes
17th march: Green Book chapter update alert! Hib: Updated to include the latest epidemiological data and align with current guidance on vaccination for case contacts and in outbreak scenarios.
19th March: Decided it was time for a rotavirus blog: Rotarix: Starter or Dessert?
25th March: Further updates in the rotavirus Information for Healthcare Practitioners guidance regarding vaccine interchangeability and administration via a feeding tube.
26th March: Quarterly Uptake data updated. Scotland and Wales seem to be doing better on MMR and the 6in1 than England on the whole, although it's highly variable by region.
TRAVEL HEALTH NEWS
Loving the new CPD section on Travel Health Pro- check it out! Also have a browse on ISTMs sparkly new resource center.
5th March: Ahhh more signs that brighter days are on their way with a factsheet about Spring travel from NaTHNaC.
4th March: Check out the latest Polio news from the 44th Emergency Committee meeting. In the latest International Health Regulations Statement, countries with a change in polio status since the last meeting (which may mean a change to polio vaccination recommendations) are Finland, Germany, Ghana, Laos, Namibia and Spain. In addition to listing the current polio status of a country and changes to status in their regular review meetings, the Emergency Committee stipulates criteria that must be met in order to assess whether a country is no longer infected by wild polio virus 1 (WPV1) or circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV); a country assessed as 'no longer infected' is monitored for a further 12 months. It's worth noting that the most recent cVDPV detection in the UK was on 16 Sep 2025 (find the related category explaining what to do about this in the full report). Afghanistan and Pakistan are of particular concern for WPV. However, in 2025 (as of 31 December), a total of 202 cVDPV cases and 218 environmental detections were reported globally across 27 countries. The Committee unanimously concluded (yet again) that the risk of international spread of polio viruses continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and recommended extending the temporary recommendations for a further three months. The Committee, after a thorough review of the epidemiological and programmatic situation, unanimously concluded that the event does not constitute a pandemic emergency. Still pretty worrying though eh?
12th March: Qdenga contender...? Butantan dengue vaccine estimated to be 81% effective against severe disease for at least 5 years
17th March: Chikungunya vaccine in UK travellers: JCVI advice. - but no further mention of the under 60 comorbidities (hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and/or chronic kidney disease) or 30 day prior to travel administration with IXCHIQ highlighted in feb by MHRA.... I feel like I missed something? Maybe I did. Been a long day.
Just announced! The date for the RCN/NaTHNaC conference in 2026 is 26th September. Can't wait! I go to this every year and always learn tonnes. Register your interest here.
29th March: UKHSA published the travel-associated infections report with case numbers of selected travel-associated infections reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2025. Quick summary here:
Chikungunya cases rose to 160 in 2025 (from 112 in 2024), mostly linked to travel to Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
Cholera cases increased to 14 (from 9); nearly all were travel-related, mainly to Pakistan and India.
Dengue cases fell to 344 (from 904), with travel to India, Thailand and Indonesia.
Rickettsial infections were similar (40 vs 44), mostly linked to South Africa.
Zika cases dropped to 7 (from 16), mainly after travel to India and Thailand.
Oropouche virus was reported for the first time (3 cases), linked to Brazil.
No cases of Japanese encephalitis or yellow fever were reported.
ADULT IMMUNISATION NEWS
11th March: RSV Information for Healthcare Practitioners updated to include expansion to 80+. New slide set produced too. Check them out! From 1 April 2026, all adults aged 75 and over or those living in a care home for older adults can get the RSV vaccine. Please support those eligible to come forward through opportunistic conversation and by utilising the communications assets available on the Campaign Resource Centre.
18th March: Whilst we are on RSV... RSV vaccination for older adults and pregnant women in the East of England: Synthesis of learning from a community pharmacy pilot
27th Feb 2026: Meningococcal B vaccine fails to prevent gonorrhea, trial finds. Eeeek this is not great news :-( gonorrhoea is able to evade almost every medicine used to treat it.
CLICK ON A VACCINE FOR A DEEPER DIVE (all the news items also go into the individual portals if you want to concentrate on updates for a specific disease)
My reading list this month:
GOV.UK News story: Midwives remain the most trusted source of information on pregnancy vaccination
Scientists identify ARK1 protein that stops malaria parasite growth
Vaccinating bats could be good for people. But how do you vaccinate a bat?
Scientists turn mosquitoes ‘into a vaccination tool’ to immunise bats against rabies
British Columbia Oysters Recalled For Norovirus Outbreak. The oysters were sold to restaurants and food retailers in these states: California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. They may have been sold in other states as well. Eeek!
IAVI announces enrollment of cohort of people without tuberculosis (TB) infection in Phase 2b trial of TB vaccine candidate MTBVAC. Additional enrollment of 1,200 participants could ultimately enable a fast track to licensure
FDA approves use of RSV vaccine in at-risk younger adults (Arvexy)
Moderna’s 2-in-1 flu and COVID vaccine shows encouraging results in small trial
BMJ opinion piece: Systemic weaknesses lost the UK its measles elimination status
Public urged to avoid Colo-i-Suva after teen’s suspected leptospirosis death
Eleven Dead and Counting. Ghana’s Meningitis Season Is Here Again
Study warns of underrecognised Lassa fever threat with global implications
Vaccine Integrity Project kicks off evidence review of Tdap vaccine in pregnancy
Analysis suggests rope squirrels are a natural reservoir of mpox virus
CDC: Unvaccinated international traveler spread measles to 17 other travelers to, within US
Marburg virus enters human cells far more efficiently than Ebola
Zika virus infection in a German traveller to the Maldives, August 2025
These diseases were thought to be incurable. Now AI is unlocking new treatments
New vaccine to stop deadly meningitis epidemics confirmed to be safe
Guinea-Bissau officials stop CDC-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial
Had a lovely day earlier this month in Exeter teaching on this masterclass. Big drive from Manchester but well worth it to hear talks from some brilliantly strong and passionate women. The day started with an update from Jane Chiodini that hit all the right spots. Then came a fabulous talk about travel with children from Cat Brewer. Following this there was an informative talk from Johanna, lead RIGS nurse. And next came a very powerful talk from Cathy Foley, a mother who told the story of loosing her son to carbon monoxide poisoning. I cried all the way through and Jane had to keep passing me tissues. Learn all about the story around her son, Hudson, here and PLEASE get a carbon monoxide detector if you have any fuel-burning appliances, and recommend to all your travellers!!
Calling all vaccinators!!! Look out for MenB contacts all across the UK (students are heading home and that could be ANYWHERE): All GP surgeries can offer MenB vaccine to certain groups. As of 19th March, this includes:
Students at the University of Kent who are normally resident on the Canterbury Campus, including those who may have now travelled home. Some staff living or working in these Halls of Residence have also been offered antibiotic prophylaxis.
Students in relevant halls of residence or other private dwellings who attend other universities in Canterbury and have been advised to take an antibiotic due to a close contact.
Individuals who attended Club Chemistry from 5 March until it closed voluntarily on March 16.
This list may be added to in the coming days as further information emerges.
Sixth form or other year groups and education settings in Kent where there are confirmed or probable cases are also eligible and have been notified by schools or UKHSA. Local arrangements are in place to offer vaccination to this group. Anyone in an eligible groups who presents can be vaccinated across the country. UKHSA are asking that an offer is in place by no later than Monday 23 March, if not sooner.
February 2026
Influenza uptake data - how are we doing so far?
Uptake data to 31st Jan 2026
Here's a quick vaccine uptake snapshot as of data published 26th Feb:
A total of 45.4% of all frontline healthcare workers have been vaccinated for influenza (485,398 of 1,069,606).
For children, the reception years are doing the best at 56.3%, with the age 2's and year 11's achieving the lowest uptake at 43.4%.
And for GP patients, over 65's are at 74.4%, under 65's in clinical risk groups are at 40.6% (worrying), pregnant women are at 38.5% (also worrying).
Flu vaccination in adult social care settings
Within the 99.1% of older adult care home providers who had updated their seasonal vaccination data as of 16 February 2026:
11.3% of total staff are known to have received a flu vaccination for the 2025 to 2026 season
66.7% of total residents are known to have received a flu vaccination for the 2025 to 2026 season
Within the 99.0% of younger adult care home providers who had updated their seasonal vaccination data as of 16 February 2026:
9.1% of total staff are known to have received a flu vaccination for the 2025 to 2026 season
54.5% of total residents are known to have received a flu vaccination for the 2025 to 2026 season
UPDATES FOR ALL
Hepatitis B household contact tracing pilot on its way! See here for documents relating to a chronic hepatitis B contact tracing pilot.
3rd Feb: Time to get the laminator out again - a revised incomplete vaccine algorithm has arrived (of course, immediately after I printed out a large batch for a course I'm teaching). It has been updated to reflect the updated pneumococcal vaccine eligibility for immunocompromised individuals. A new larger format print version has also been added (that text is getting smaller and smaller!).
16th Feb: Measles outbreak could see unvaccinated pupils excluded from schools in north London is the headline in the BBC and many other media sources at the minute. Very worrying this current outbreak in London.
18th Feb: Intriguing and pleasing headline from WHO: Next-generation influenza vaccines could save millions of lives, finds WHO. Finally- a universal flu vaccine is getting closer!!
19th Feb: And more good news: Single vaccine could protect against all coughs, colds and flus
23rd Feb: I've added some more links about HCAs and consent to the guidance section just for info. Very grateful to Jane Chiodini and Jasmin Smart for sharing some of these.
24th Feb: Green Book chapter update alert! Hepatitis B: Updates to eligibility for targeted vaccination of people at higher risk of exposure.
24th Feb: GP contract (vaccine-related) changes at a glance:
Amendment of the QOF to introduce additional improvement thresholds for the 3 childhood vaccination QOF indicators. These changes are intended to recognise and reward practices, particularly those in more deprived areas that may not meet the existing achievement thresholds but demonstrate meaningful and sustained improvement in vaccination uptake.
The extension of the RSV vaccination programme to all adults aged 80 and over and all residents in care homes for older adults will be reflected in the Statement of Financial Entitlements (SFE), in addition to existing cohorts.
A new requirement for PCNs to ensure that eligible residents in aligned care homes are identified and offered seasonal and routine vaccinations in line with national recommendations. This will not necessarily mean that PCNs are responsible for administering the vaccinations but they must ensure arrangements are in place to offer vaccination.
26th Feb: The Flu letter is in for 26/27! Accompanied by the poster showing the vaccines marketed for 26/27. Quick summary if you are busy: There are no changes to eligible cohorts for the 2026 to 2027 programme and the timing remains the same staggered (for some) start as last year. All vaccines are trivalent again. There are some firm words about planning to do more for uptake, especially in underserved groups. This will likely align with the new GP contract which is due this week. They also advise prioritising 2/3 year olds. There have been 2 changes to the JCVI advice for adult flu vaccines for 2026 to 2027. Firstly, in those aged 65 years and older, IIVc should be considered equivalent to allV, llV-HD, and IIVr. And secondly, in those aged 50 years to 59 years in clinical risk groups, IIV-HD can be used off-label. Looking at the vaccines table, IIVe seems to be very much taking a back seat now.
While we are on Flu here's a quick vaccine uptake snapshot as of data published 26th Feb (uptake up to 31st Jan):
A total of 45.4% of all frontline healthcare workers have been vaccinated for influenza (485,398 of 1,069,606).
For children, the reception years are doing the best at 56.3%, with the age 2's and year 11's achieving the lowest uptake at 43.4%.
And for GP patients, over 65's are at 74.4%, under 65's in clinical risk groups are at 40.6% (worrying), pregnant women are at 38.5% (also worrying).
CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION NEWS
3rd Feb: A really comprehensive and interesting maternity special Vaccine Update has landed. I thought this was a particularly informative edition and well worth a read. Get a BIG brew on the go.
5th Feb: Very interesting and revealing set of numbers in here: Routine childhood immunisation: deaths and hospitalisations prevented. Estimated annual deaths and hospitalisations prevented by routine childhood immunisation in England. Need a quick summary?: It's LOADS.
5th Feb: I jinxed it. I mused that it's only rotavirus that hasn't changed in some way recently on the childhood programme. Then the Rotavirus vaccination programme: information for healthcare practitioners doc got updated to let us know the packaging is changing. Only a small change. No panic needed.
10th Feb: MMRV programme: information for healthcare practitioners guidance updated to include guidance on use of ibuprofen and the administration of MMRV vaccine to a child who has continued close contact with a pregnant woman.
Jan 2026: Diphtheria outbreak in the Western Cape. A total of 19 deaths have been recorded among probable and confirmed respiratory diphtheria cases in South Africa, resulting in an overall case-fatality ratio of 21%. Twelve of these deaths occurred in the Western Cape. Vaccination gaps appear to be a key driver of vulnerability. Among those aged 12 years and younger who fell ill, several were unvaccinated or had not received booster doses, while others had only completed part of the infant immunisation schedule. The report stresses that protection depends not only on early childhood vaccination but also on booster doses later in life.
16th Feb: Campaign alert! In the wake of some shocking figures this week of hospitalisations with measles in the unvaccinated, the government is ramping up the marketing strategy. Parents are being encouraged not only to ensure their own children are fully up to date, but also to help raise awareness among family, friends and their wider communities about the importance of routine immunisation. I love this. Although I hope they also try to include some reassuring elements, as well as promotion. I feel that from what I am hearing on courses, parents are sometimes declining the MMRV, seemingly at greater rates than the MMR (this is purely anecdotal from my own observations). The campaign (over 6 weeks) includes TV and radio advertising, social media, press and partnerships activity. See if you can use any of the materials on your own channels like GP websites and TV screens in the surgery... A communications toolkit is available in the Campaign Resource Centre and communications materials including digital display screens are here.
22nd Feb: Government press release: More children to be protected from deadly viruses: New changes to the GP contract will help protect thousands more children across the country from deadly and highly infectious diseases. The new GP contract will be landing this week so I'm intrigued to read the details. It looks like a lot of inequalities in vaccination will be targeted by this new (and seemingly fairer) approach. Watch that space!
TRAVEL HEALTH NEWS
You might remember me mentioning David last month. We got together last week to do some filming and acted out a consultation together. We are editing away in the background so watch this space to see the outcome of our labour!! We turned David's apartment into a clinic slash studio. More work goes into these things than you might imagine...
2nd Feb: Hepatitis A infection: prevention and control guidance updated with some translated materials. This is important guidance to help public health professionals manage hepatitis A infections and recommendations for pre-exposure immunisation.
I've been getting a lot of questions around Nipah lately on the back of confirmed cases in India during January. At present, cases remain low and health officials have said there is no reason for fear an outbreak. Pakistan has nonetheless introduced enhanced screening checks for people who have travelled in from India. Pakistan is also about to launch the first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of this year in Feb. The campaign aims to immunise over 45 million children. Go Pakistan!!
Lunar New Year 2026: Travel advice
2nd Feb: Eeek Shigella strikes!!! Several Britons dead after stomach illnesses in Cape Verde - what we know so far. And see Health warning over Cape Verde travel after stomach bug deaths. As always NaTHNaC are on it and have created an alert and fact sheet to go with it.
Roll up! Roll up! The RCPSG are now accepting applications for the fourth cohort of their Postgraduate Diploma in Travel Medicine, a 12-month course commencing on 5 May 2026. Guess who is Lead for module one? MEEEEE!!!
4th Feb: A preventative campaign for cholera vaccination is being re-initiated for the first time in three years. Mozambique is the first country to restart vaccinations, while Bangladesh and Democratic Republic of the Congo are planning to do the same.
11th Feb: A news story from MHRA. MHRA introduces additional restrictions for use of the Chikungunya vaccine (IXCHIQ). The vaccine should not be used in people aged 60 or over, and in individuals of any age who have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.
Worth a look at this for some useful Japanese Encephalitis statistics and patient stories
17th Feb: Nipah virus causing a possible real-life ‘Contagion’ film scenario – should we be worried? and Could the Nipah virus lead to another global lockdown?
27th Feb 2026: Two-dose or not two-dose? That is the question. I wrote a quick rabies-related blog this evening and I'm dedicating it to lovely Fiona who was on my course today and raised this interesting topic.
ADULT IMMUNISATION NEWS
2nd Feb: RSV vaccination for older adults: expansion of eligibility. See here for Information on the expansion of the eligibility criteria of the older adults respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme from 1 April 2026. Don't forget (See news item last month) In February 2026 NHSE is running a national RSV invitation campaign to support uptake. Invitations will be sent to unvaccinated individuals that are eligible for the CURRENT older adults RSV vaccination programme. The Green Book has also been updated with latest evidence and details of the catch-up programme for people age 80 and over, JCVI advice on clesrovimab, and MHRA guidance on preF vaccines.
16th Feb: UKHSA RSV PGD updated as follows:
inclusion criteria extended for the older adults programme to include immunisation of individuals aged over 80 years and residents of older adult care homes, as recommended by JCVI
removal of the exclusion criteria for adults who have reached 80 years of age
reinforcing that the vaccine may be given to pregnant individuals of any age, including those aged under 18 years
adjustment of the dose and frequency of administration advice for older adults, to include residents in older adult care homes
inclusion of the MHRA Drug Safety Update from July 2025, advising of a small increased risk of Guillain Barré syndrome in older adults aged over 60 years. Adverse drug reactions updated in line with the Abrysvo® summary of product characteristics
advice that COVID-19 vaccine may be safely co-administered with RSV vaccine in line with the update to the RSV chapter of the Green Book
clarification that older adults immunised before the age of 75 years under the private market remain eligible for an NHS dose of vaccine.
26th Feb: UKHSA blog: Millions eligible for free shingles vaccine urged to come forward. Figures published today (see here) show that 42.1% of those turning age 66, who had been eligible since their 65th birthday, had received their first Shingrix dose by October 2025. Among those turning age 71 who have been eligible since turning 70, vaccine uptake coverage stands at 53.5%.
The main findings for the academic year 2024 to 2025 were that:
coverage of Shingrix dose 1 was 26.6% in those who turned 65
coverage of Shingrix dose 1 was 37.4% in those who turned 70
coverage of Shingrix dose 1 was 42.1%, and dose 2 was 27.5%, in those who turned 66 [Note 1]
coverage of Shingrix dose 1 was 53.5% and dose 2 was 37.5% in those who turned 71 [Note 1]
coverage of Shingrix dose 1 was 25.4%, and dose 2 was 16.2%, in those who turned 50 and over with severe immunosuppression
Note 1. Coverage of dose 2 only includes data from 57.9% of GPs due to data quality limitations
Interesting news! In December 2025, Sanofi announced it would acquire Dynavax Technologies in an all-cash deal worth about $2.2 billion. This wasn’t a licensing agreement — it was a full takeover. The acquisition includes:
Heplisav-B (their licensed adult Hep B vaccine)
The TLR9 CpG adjuvant platform
Their pipeline — including a shingles candidate (Z-1018)
Sanofi’s stated aim was to strengthen its adult vaccine portfolio, particularly in areas with large unmet need.
26th Feb: RSV uptake on the maternal programme has been published for this month. Sneak preview: 59.9% (25,398 out of 42,424) of women that reported giving birth during the survey month received an RSV vaccine. Coverage varied by ethnic group, with the highest coverage reported among the Chinese ethnic group (74.3%) and the lowest among the Black - Caribbean ethnic group (34.0%).
Interesting reading this month:
Adjuvanted influenza vaccination increases pre-existing H5N1 cross-reactive antibodies
HPV: Vaccine uptake far below pre-pandemic level as 1 in 4 children leave school unprotected
New study validates previous conclusions supporting a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule
Special K: ketamine’s rise among young people and LGBTQ+ youth
Menstrual blood sampling explored as new option for HPV cervical screening
Calls for a national strategy for respiratory illness following rise in pneumonia cases
Methanol poisoning in Brazil: preventive measures for host populations and travellers
Cholera is surging in Africa. A new generation of vaccines could slow it
Many of you will have met Coco if you have done a virtual course with me
I'm very sad to announce that she passed away on the 20th Feb. Whether you were aware of her presence or not, Coco always sat next to me when doing a virtual course. She was my little furry Zoom buddy. Much of my course feedback includes comments like; 'more Coco please'. This was our last photo together. So just putting this here as a little reminder of all the help she gave me with sticking to breaks and the smiles she inspired when she showed her bum to everyone on the course or growled at someones dog on the screen. She will be greatly missed.
January 2026
UPDATES FOR ALL
Happy New Year all!!
I've just added this Nov 25 study to the injection technique bit of the site. Thanks Fray - good spot. Tattoo ink induces inflammation in the draining lymph node and alters the immune response to vaccination.
5th Jan: PGD template updated to support the national pneumococcal vaccine (13-valent or 15-valent, adsorbed) (PCV) vaccination programme. Amended to:
remove immunisation of individuals from 6 weeks of age in response to an outbreak of pneumococcal disease due to introduction of PCV20 for outbreaks
update 8-week dose interval to 4-week interval as per updated Green Book Chapter 25
inform to use PCV20 PGD for routine programme for individuals who have asplenia, splenic dysfunction, complement disorder or severe immunocompromise
delete off label use of dose schedules as SPC states that the schedules should be in accordance with national recommendations
add Prevenar 13® is interchangeable with other PCV vaccines as per the Green Book Chapter 25 in off-label section
add minimum 4-week dose interval in accordance with the Green Book, Chapter 25 where 8-week dose interval is indicated in the SPCs in off-label section
5th Jan: While the UK is busy adding more important vaccines to the schedule, the USA is doing the opposite. This does not bode well for the resurgence of infectious diseases :-( US to slash routine vaccine recommendations for children in major change experts say creates doubt.
8th Jan: Flu update: Over 18.6 million eligible people have been vaccinated so far and nationally, reminders are going out to 300,000 at risk children next week. With flu still circulating please continue to do all you can to encourage eligible people to have their vaccine. Don't forget yourself too! Uptake of the vaccine among HCP's was 44% up to the 31st Dec.
14th Jan: latest ponderings: Does EMLA interfere with vaccines? What the evidence actually says
14th Jan: Updated contact details in here: Measles: public health response to cases who have travelled whilst infectious (Guidance about infectious measles linked to international travel, including air, sea and land crossings)
19th Jan: Pneumococcal vaccination for older adults and for individuals in a clinical risk group: Information for healthcare practitioners published to aid with implementing the transition to PCV20. There is advice in there such as once available to order, even if PPV23 stocks haven’t finished, PCV20 should be used for those aged 2 years and above with severe immunosuppression. Additionally, health protection teams may access the national supply for management of outbreaks of pneumococcal disease in closed settings. However, in order to avoid wastage, PCV20 will not be available to order for other indications until the national stock of PPV23 has been exhausted. If PPV23 is indicated for an individual and is in the fridge, it must be used up first.
19th Jan: Updated versions of the GP and community pharmacy seasonal vaccination service specifications have been published. These have been updated to reflect changes to the COVID-19 vaccine ordering process, and new terminology for patients who may require a COVID-19 vaccination outside of usual campaign timing.
20th Jan: Measles resurgence: Global Virus Network calls for urgent action
22nd Jan: UKHSA have produced a blog intended for the public called: What is measles and why is it so important we're up to date with our vaccines to protect against it? Not the best grammar, but an important message.
23rd Jan: Measles: the green book chapter updated to align wording to other Green book chapters.
Oh RFK what are you thinking? RFK Jr. appoints 2 vocal opponents of vaccine use in pregnancy to federal advisory board. But there is a glimmer of hope for the US vaccine programmes - pushback is clearly in force: States, health organizations reject new CDC vaccine guidance
29th Jan: 1 in 4 school-leavers unprotected by HPV vaccine
Jan 2026: No link found between routine childhood vaccines, aluminum adjuvants, and epilepsy risk
CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION NEWS
1st Jan: Exciting bit of news to start the year off! Families to have better access to childhood vaccinations: A new £2 million pilot will see health visitors reach families facing barriers to vaccines, to ensure more children are protected. I'm excited to hear what people think of this on the imms updates. Let me know your thoughts :-) Also looking forward to meeting more Health Visitors on courses (hopefully!).
Also, here we go with MMRV.... Good luck everyone!! I've heard on the grapevine that people have been struggling with the EMIS templates - apparently a bit of jiggery pokery on the back end solves things and updates it to the new template. Ask your managers! Don't forget your Red Book updated pages as well.
12th Jan: Wow - there have been so many questions about MMRV, and much confusion. Eeeek. Today the Information for Healthcare Practitioners document has been updated to clarify the catch-up cohort eligibility and common questions about immunising children who have fallen behind on the routine schedule. THIS is a useful table confirming what to offer those who are behind with their schedule. Much needed guidance!!!
15th Jan: Varicella Green Book Chapter revised.
19th Jan: Mumps Green Book Chapter revised to include the MMRV vaccine.
21st Jan: Some MUCH NEEDED clarification updates in the PGD template for MMRV
29th Jan: Some vaccine coverage data has appeared for HPV, Men ACWY and the school leaver Td/IPV boosters which I have highlighted key points in more detail in each of the related portals. Although there is always room for improvement (particularly in London it seems), it's nice to see that all groups had increases in uptake from 23-24.
TRAVEL HEALTH NEWS
If you are travelling soon check out NaTHNaC's festive travel safely tips!
So proud of my awesome mate and fellow travel health specialist nurse, David for launching his YouTube channel this month. Check it out! And feel free to recommend it to your travellers for some trustworthy traveller-centred information. Here's his fabulous website!
8th Jan: Ixiaro is now back in stock for direct ordering on www.valneva.co.uk; after a period of having to place limits on supply, they now have enough inventory to last for about 4-5 months, so are not expecting to have to place limits on Ixiaro. Thanks for the update Jo!
9th Jan: Novel cholera vaccine shows promise in phase 1 trial. Hello and good luck to 'PanChol' (pandemic cholera vaccine), another single-dose, live-attenuated oral cholera vaccine derived from the V cholerae 01 strain, which has been responsible for most global cholera outbreaks.
Loving the re-jig to make the educational events section more visible on Travel Health Pro. Oh NaTHNaC, we do love you.
ABTA has launched its Destinations to Watch report for 2026. Get some inspiration for your next trip!
From Valneva: New downloadable content. There are three videos for your digital displays: Chikungunya map, Japanese Encephalitis Map and a Mosquito-borne disease video.
ADULT IMMUNISATION NEWS
15th Jan 2025: RSV vaccine coverage report in older adults in England up to November 2025 published. Vaccine coverage in the routine and catch-up cohorts combined reached 61.9%. I think the most striking disparity between all the demographic variables was in the ethnic group category, with the highest coverage reported among White-British (65.3%) and the lowest among Asian or Asian British - Pakistani (24.0%). The maternal vaccination programme also showed a disparity here too with coverage varying wildly by ethnic group: the highest coverage was reported among 'Other' ethnic group – Chinese (79.6%) and the lowest among Black or Black British – Caribbean (28.5%).
22nd Jan: In February 2026 NHSE is running a national RSV invitation campaign to support uptake. Invitations will be sent to unvaccinated individuals that are eligible for the older adults RSV vaccination programme. The invitation will advise people to contact their GP to book an RSV vaccination appointment. In areas where community pharmacy providers are commissioned to deliver RSV vaccinations, the invitation will also include a link to the National Booking Service and RSV walk-in service finder. Get stocking up!! (And don't forget to continue proactively calling and recalling as usual)
Useful cheat sheet from Wales
Interesting reading this month:
Child health in international travel: A German airport survey. Bottom line: Many families do not, or not correctly, follow recommended prevention measures.
Guardian article: NHS spending up to £19k a time treating people suffering after overseas surgery, research finds: Study suggests as many as 53% of ‘medical tourists’ end up with complications such as infections and organ failure
More than half a million chikungunya cases reported globally in 2025
Early trial of Nipah virus vaccine shows promise
How can one NOT be intrigued by this title? He made beer that’s also a vaccine. Now controversy is brewing. I totally agree that new delivery methods are needed - I just hope this chap gets the ethical approval and doesn't flaunt the experimentation rules much further. His heart is in the right place.
Analysis of the non-natural deaths of US citizens while abroad. Not suprising that RTAs feature in this.
Written in Nov 2025 but I only just discovered this interesting article now: Association between vaccinations and risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Conclusions? Adult vaccinations, particularly against herpes zoster, influenza, pneumococcus and Tdap, are associated with a lower risk of dementia. Should vaccination strategies be incorporated into public health initiatives for dementia prevention?.
