HSE PharmaVax Update
As part of the latest release to HSE PharmaVax, the criteria required to carry out a vaccination history search for a patient/client has been relaxed. There are now 2 options to carry out a search depending on whether PPS Number or Mobile Number is provided by the patient.
These are:
Option 1:
Date of Birth, PPSN and Gender, as a minimum.
Option 2:
First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number and Gender, as a minimum.
In the unlikely event that more than one set of records are returned for the search criteria, then these records will be presented on separate pages in the application and there will be an option to step forward and back through these pages at the bottom of the page.
You will then have to satisfy yourself with which set of records is correct prior to registering or updating the patient/client details on HSE PharmaVax (if required).
The latest release has enabled users to correct ALL records with a vaccination date on or after 18 Sept 2023, so any record created after 18 Sept 2023 can now be corrected.
NCCS Ordering Consumable Packs
To date when a pharmacy placed an order for COVID-19 vaccines through the NCCS portal consumable packs to match the quantity ordered were automatically delivered to a pharmacy through a national distribution service. Due to the reduced demand for vaccines and the accumulation of packs at some sites the National Immunisation Office (NIO) has updated the existing process for the supply of these consumables’ packs. Going forward when an order for COVID-19 vaccine is placed on the NCCS portal, a pop-up box will present offering a YES/NO option to have the corresponding quantity of consumable packs delivered to your pharmacy. The answer (Yes/No) is recorded on the order record on the website and should you have selected YES consumable packs will be delivered as normal via the national distribution service. The communication from the NIO can be read on the IPU COVID-19 Vaccination Hub.
VPCC Guidance Notes
The Vaccination Primary Care Contractors (VPCC) team has expanded their webpage to include an information and resources section relating to the COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination programmes. This page has been created in response to common operational queries they have received from pharmacy and GP contractors. They have created an FAQ to address operational issues such as COVID-19 certificates and home visits. They have also created Guidance Notes relating to COVID-19 consumables and repeat primary course vaccination. The webpage can be found here.
Measles and MMR Vaccines
The HSE is urging parents to make sure their children are vaccinated against measles following what it described as a “significant” rise in cases in parts of the UK and Europe. It has called on people to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including making sure children have an up-to-date MMR vaccine which also protects against mumps and rubella. The MMR vaccine, which is safe and effective, protects against measles cases and outbreaks. Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed for a child to be fully protected. Further information about the MMR Vaccine can be accessed here.
Health Information and Quality Authority – Vaccines HTA
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is undertaking a health technology assessment (HTA) on the use of enhanced inactivated influenza (flu) vaccines in those aged 65 years and older, as part of the Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme.
They are also carrying out a HTA on adding shingles vaccine to the adult immunisation schedule.
Susan O’Donnell, Professional Services Pharmacist, within the IPU, is a member of both expert advisory groups that will carry out these HTA’s. HIQA has published the protocols which outline the approach they are using to complete these assessments. The protocol explains the areas the assessment will focus on, such as clinical and cost effectiveness, and the methods they will use. The protocols are available to view here. Later in 2024, HIQA will launch a public consultation on both HTAs. Further information on this consultation and how you can be involved will be shared on the HIQA website and social media.
