RCGP responds to the DHSC’s plan to have Health visiting teams offer vaccinations to children

Responding to the DHSC’s plan to have Health visiting teams offer vaccinations, ensure families to have better access to childhood vaccination and target health inequalities, Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said:  

“Vaccination is safe, effective and protects children from what can be really serious illnesses, such as measles – and GPs and our teams are at the forefront of ensuring as many children are vaccinated as possible. This includes having conversations with parents about the safety and benefits of vaccination, and proactive outreach to parents and carers to encourage uptake.

“However, we recognise that some families still face complex barriers to accessing childhood vaccines, and any initiatives to improve uptake and reduce health inequalities are worth considering. Health visitors are trusted professionals who know families well, particularly those with young children, and it’s sensible to explore the role they can play in supporting vaccination uptake for those who otherwise, for whatever reason, might be less likely to come forward to get their children vaccinated.

“Collaborative approaches, such as this, should complement rather than replace GP-led vaccination services, and will require clear communication, appropriate training and robust information sharing between the health professionals involved, so that care is coordinated and patient records remain accurate.

“Ultimately, the shared goal across the NHS is to support the childhood vaccination programme and ensure as many children are vaccinated as possible and that no family is left behind. We look forward to seeing a full evaluation of these pilots, including the impact they have on vaccination uptake, safety and workload, ahead of any wider rollout.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.