Vaccine update: issue 325, April 2022, flu special edition
Published 19 April 2022
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2022
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Thank you for delivering the biggest flu vaccination programme in history
Achievements in flu vaccine uptake during the pandemic
For the last 2 years, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the NHS has run the largest NHS influenza vaccination programmes ever and provisional monthly vaccine uptake data (see table 1) shows that the last 2 seasons have also been the most successful.
The World Health Organization (WHO) target of 75% for those aged 65 years and over has been exceeded, higher uptake has been achieved in most other cohorts compared to previous years, and more people have been vaccinated than ever before.
UKHSA and NHSEI national immunisation teams would like to extend our thanks for all the hard work undertaken to achieve this. Delivering the biggest flu programmes ever is a fantastic achievement, particularly given that it was delivered alongside the COVID-19 vaccination programme and all the other pressures of the job.
A big thank you to the amazing primary care flu services and staff in Trusts.
The NHS school-aged immunisation teams have also excelled themselves with more school-aged children vaccinated in 2021 to 2022 than ever before. This is despite the disruption in schools caused by COVID-19 and the need to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme as well.
Influenza vaccine uptake (provisional data for 2021 to 2022 compared to end of season data for 2020 to 2021)
| Eligible cohort | 2021 to 2022 | 2020 to 2021 | 2019 to 2020 | 2018 to 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aged 65 years and over | 82.30% | 80.90% | 72.40% | 72.00% |
| In clinical risk group | 52.90% | 53.00% | 44.90% | 48.00% |
| Pregnant women | 37.90% | 43.60% | 43.70% | 45.20% |
| Aged 50 to 64 years not in risk group [footnote 1] | 45.70% | 35.20% | N/A | N/A |
| Aged 2 years old | 48.70% | 55.30% | 43.40% | 43.80% |
| Aged 3 years old | 51.40% | 58.00% | 44.20% | 45.90% |
| Frontline healthcare workers [footnote 2] | 60.50% | 76.80% | 74.30% | 70.30% |
| Eligible school-aged children [footnote 3] | 51.50% | 61.70% | 60.40% | 60.80% |
Influenza vaccine uptake data is available on GOV.UK. Data given for 2021 to 2022 is extracted from UKHSA’s ImmForm portal and is provisional monthly data for period 1 September 2021 to 28 February 2022, not final end of season data.
Tailoring programme resources to maximise vaccine uptake
During the 2021 to 2022 season we produced the most comprehensive range of accessible and translated flu resources to maximise uptake in underserved groups.
Accessible versions of the leaflets and posters were published as easy-read guides, braille, British Sign Language (BSL) and large print. In addition, we also offered translations in 27 community languages.
We thank you for ordering and sharing these resources as we know that having the accessible information is essential to giving everyone an equitable positive vaccination experience. For the 2022 to 2023 season please continue to share the accessible and translated resources that will be updated ahead of the season with parents, children, pregnant women and older adults.
Influenza vaccines marketed in the UK for 2022 to 2023
A table of all the influenza vaccines marketed in the UK for the 2022 to 2023 season is available and includes data on the ovalbumin content. For information on the use of influenza vaccines in egg allergic individuals please see the green book influenza.
Vaccine supply for the routine vaccination programme
Easter Bank Holiday
Due to the Easter Bank Holiday, there will be no deliveries or order processing by Movianto UK on Friday 15 April and Monday 18 April 2022. Please see the table below for revised order and delivery dates.
For customers with standard delivery days of Friday or Monday, please be aware that:
- after Friday 8 April, your next available delivery day will be Friday 22 April
- after Monday 11 April, your next available delivery day will be Monday 25 April
You are reminded to be prepared for the break in deliveries and to order accordingly. Please make sure you have sufficient room in your fridge for any additional vaccine you wish to stock over this holiday period, bearing in mind the recommendation that only 2 to 4 weeks of vaccine stock be held at any one time.
Easter Bank Holidays Friday 15 April to Monday 18 April 2022
| Delivery day | Order cut-off date | Order cut-off time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 8 April 2022 | Wednesday 6 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Weekend | ||
| Monday 11 April 2022 | Thursday 7 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Tuesday 12 April 2022 | Friday 8 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Wednesday 13 April 2022 | Monday 11 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Thursday 14 April 2022 | Tuesday 12 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Friday 15 April 2022 | Closed – no deliveries or order processing | |
| Weekend | ||
| Monday 18 April 2022 | Closed – no deliveries or order processing | |
| Tuesday 19 April 2022 | Wednesday 13 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Wednesday 20 April 2022 | Thursday 14 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Thursday 21 April 2022 | Tuesday 19 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Friday 22 April 2022 | Wednesday 20 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Monday 25 April 2022 | Thursday 21 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
Please be advised that emergency or “Out of Schedule” deliveries cannot be arranged for failure to place orders in good time.
Early May and Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday
Due to the Spring Bank Holiday plus the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday, there will be no deliveries or order processing by Movianto UK on Monday 2 May, Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June. Please see the table below for revised order and delivery dates.
For customers with standard delivery day of Monday, Thursday or Friday, please be aware that:
- after Monday 25 April, your next available delivery day will be Monday 9 May 2022
- after Thursday 26 May, your next available delivery day will be Thursday 9 June 2022
- after Friday 27 May, your next available delivery day will be Friday 10 June 2022
You are reminded to be prepared for the break in deliveries and to order accordingly. Please make sure you have sufficient room in your fridge for any additional vaccine you wish to stock over this holiday period, bearing in mind the recommendation that only 2 to 4 weeks of vaccine stock be held at any one time
Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 2 May 2022
| Delivery day | Order cut-off date | Order cut-off time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 25 April 2022 | Thursday 21 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Tuesday 26 April 2022 | Friday 22 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Wednesday 27 April 2022 | Monday 25 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Thursday 28 April 2022 | Tuesday 26 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Friday 29 April 2022 | Wednesday 27 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Weekend | ||
| Monday 2 May 2022 | Closed – no deliveries or order processing | |
| Tuesday 3 May 2022 | Thursday 28 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Wednesday 4 May 2022 | Friday 29 April 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Thursday 5 May 2022 | Tuesday 3 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Friday 6 May 2022 | Wednesday 4 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Weekend | ||
| Monday 9 May 2022 | Thursday 5 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
Platinum Jubilee Bank Holidays – Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June 2022
| Delivery day | Order cut-off date | Order cut-off time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 26 May 2022 | Tuesday 24 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Friday 27 May 2022 | Wednesday 25 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Weekend | ||
| Monday 30 May 2022 | Thursday 26 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Tuesday 31 May 2022 | Friday 27 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Wednesday 1 June 2022 | Monday 30 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Thursday 2 June 2022 | Closed – No deliveries or order processing | |
| Friday 3 June 2022 | Closed – No deliveries or order processing | |
| Weekend | ||
| Monday 6 June 2022 | Tuesday 31 May 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Tuesday 7 June 2022 | Wednesday 1 June 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Wednesday 8 June 2022 | Monday 6 June 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Thursday 9 June 2022 | Tuesday 7 June 2022 | 11:55 AM |
| Friday 10 June 2022 | Wednesday 8 June 2022 | 11:55 AM |
Please be advised that emergency or “Out of Schedule” deliveries cannot be arranged for failure to place orders in good time.
Changes to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination schedule
From 1 April 2022, the HPV vaccination schedule for adolescents and adults who start the vaccination course on or after their 15th birthday has changed for most eligible individuals from a 3-dose to a 2-dose course; please see the UKHSA and NHSEI bipartite letter for details.
HPV vaccine will continue to be available to order through ImmForm. However, please consider the schedule change when placing orders for HPV vaccine, and do not order more than 2 weeks’ worth of stock to minimise wastage due to fridge failures.
COVID-19 vaccine next day delivery – Easter Holidays 2022
| Delivery day | Delivery date | Place order before 11:55am on | Note/holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 13 April 2022 | 11 April 2022 | No scheduled delivery to Orkney, Shetland or Stornoway |
| Thursday | 14 April 2022 | 12 April 2022 | |
| Friday | 15 April 2022 | 13 April 2022 | No scheduled delivery to Orkney, Shetland or Stornoway |
| Weekend | |||
| Monday | 18 April 2022 | 15 April 2022 | No scheduled delivery to Orkney, Shetland or Stornoway |
| Tuesday | 19 April 2022 | 16 April 2022 | |
| Wednesday | 20 April 2022 | 18 April 2022 | |
| Thursday | 21 April 2022 | 19 April 2022 |
Availability of Vaxelis® vaccine as an alternative to Infanrix hexa®
Since 31 January 2022, as part of the current vaccination programme, Vaxelis® has been available to order via ImmForm. Vaxelis® is an alternative hexavalent vaccine to Infanrix hexa® (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB) for routine infant primary immunisations scheduled at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Vaxelis protects against the same 6 diseases as Infanrix hexa® and has been licensed in Europe for more than 5 years.
Infanrix hexa® will also continue to be available via ImmForm.
Vaxelis® and Infanrix hexa® vaccines are interchangeable, but where possible and if local stock allows, it is preferable that the same DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB-containing vaccine be used for all 3 doses of the primary course. However, vaccination should never be delayed because the vaccine used for previous doses is not known or unavailable.
The hexavalent vaccine DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB Patient Group Direction (PGD) national template (version 03.00, valid from 1 September 2021) includes use of both Infanrix hexa® and Vaxelis®.
Ordering controls for Vaxelis® will be in place to balance incoming supply with demand. Customers in England and Wales may order up to 10 packs of Vaxelis® per ImmForm account per week. Orders for Infanrix hexa® remain unrestricted. Customers in Scotland should refer to their local ordering restrictions. Providers should not order more than 2 weeks’ worth of stock to minimise wastage due to fridge failures.
Further details can be found in the Vaxelis® Summary of Product Characteristics at – Vaxelis suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc).
Supply of vaccines with reduced shelf life
Vaccines supplied via ImmForm for the routine immunisation programme will usually have at least 3 months of shelf-life remaining at the time of delivery. To help reduce wastage, vaccines with reduced shelf life will occasionally be supplied. ImmForm customers will be informed of vaccines which have reduced shelf life via ImmForm news articles, updates on the particular ImmForm product page, or a click-thru pop-up message at the time of ordering.
ImmForm customers should order no more than 2 weeks’ worth of stock to minimise wastage due to fridge failures or failure to use stock before expiry. See chapter 3 of the ‘Green Book’ (Immunisation against infectious disease) for further details on the storage and supply of vaccines.
Viper antivenom supplied via ImmForm has changed to ViperaTAb®
ImmForm account holders with access to viper antivenom should be aware that the product supplied via ImmForm has changed back from VIPERFAV® to ViperaTAb®.
The products have different active ingredients, formulations and presentations:
| Product | VIPERFAV® | ViperaTAb® |
|---|---|---|
| Source of immune sera | Equine | Ovine |
| Licensed status | Unlicensed in the UK | Unlicensed in the UK |
| Storage | Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C | Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C |
| Presentation | Each pack includes 1 x 4ml vial containing 396-468 mg F(ab’) 2 fragments | Each pack includes 2 x 4ml vials, containing 100mg Fab fragments each |
| Initial treatment recommendation | The initial dose of Viperfav® is the contents of 1 x 4ml vial (1 pack per patient) | The initial dose of ViperaTAb® is the contents of 2 x 4ml vials ( 1 pack per patient) |
Emergency departments are advised to stock only 1 dose (1 pack) of viper antivenom. Recommendations for the treatment of common adder bites and the administration of ViperaTAb® and VIPERFAV® can be found on TOXBASE.
To minimise wastage, please use all locally held stocks of in date VIPERFAV® to treat eligible patients, before switching to ViperaTAb®.
Update to Bexsero Patient Information Leaflet
Every pack of Bexsero (Meningitis B vaccine; 10 doses) is supplied with a pad of 10 Patient Information Leaflets (PILs), as well as there being a single PIL inside each Bexsero pack. Since September 2020, an updated version of the PIL pad has been distributed with Bexsero orders. Please dispose of the single PIL from inside the pack, as it will be out-of-date.
We will advise further when the PIL supplied in the pack is in line with the PIL pad.
MMR vaccine ordering
To rebalance central supplies of both MMR vaccines please consider ordering M-M-RvaxPRO® as your first choice, which is available without restriction.
Customers in England and Wales who require Priorix®, for example because you serve communities that do not accept vaccines containing porcine gelatine, may order up to 6 packs of Priorix® per ImmForm account per week.
For assistance please contact the ImmForm Helpdesk at helpdesk@immform.org.uk. Customers in Scotland should refer to their local ordering restrictions.
Registering for a new or updating your existing ImmForm vaccine ordering account
When you register for or update an existing ImmForm account, UKHSA as a wholesaler of vaccines need to verify the requesting customer. Please ensure you have your professional regulatory body registration number or Wholesaler Dealer Licence and an organisation code which can be verified when requesting updates or requesting a new vaccine ordering account. For more information please see the ImmForm Helpsheet – How to register.
Movianto UK drivers delivering centrally supplied products are not able to phone delivery points
Please note that Movianto UK drivers delivering centrally supplied products are not able to phone a delivery point upon arrival at the delivery location. Customers are expected to make arrangements ahead of the scheduled delivery day to receive their deliveries.
ImmForm customers should report long-term changes to opening hours for deliveries
Customers should report long-term changes to the days and times when they can accept deliveries, such as routine training days and closures, by contacting Movianto UK Customer Care (MoviantoUK.NHSCC@movianto.com; 01234 587207). This should not be used to report short-term changes due to absence or holidays.
Customers are reminded to be prepared for any break in deliveries due to absences or holidays and to order accordingly. Please make sure you have sufficient room in your fridge for any additional vaccine you wish to stock. Deferred orders can also be placed in advance. Out of schedule deliveries cannot be arranged for failure to place orders in good time.
The EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) and Delegated Regulation as applicable to UKHSA-supplied vaccines for the national immunisation programme
The EU Falsified Medicines Directive 2011/62/EU (FMD) and Delegated Regulation ((EU) 2016/161) (The Delegated Regulation) impose legal obligations on the EU medicines supply chain to prevent entry of falsified medicinal products into the supply chain. The Delegated Regulation was implemented in all EU Member States on 9 February 2019. Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the Delegated Regulation ceased to apply in Great Britain from 31 December 2020, but continues to apply in Northern Ireland.
Information for customers in Northern Ireland
FMD-barcoded packs of routine immunisation programme vaccines that are centrally supplied by UKHSA continue to be supplied with active FMD serialisation, and should be decommissioned by end users in Northern Ireland. Customers in Northern Ireland who access centrally supplied vaccines are encouraged to review local guidance on implementation of the EU Falsified Medicines Directive.
Vaccine supply for the non-routine programme
Hepatitis A vaccine
Adult
- GSK: adult pre-filled syringe (PFS) singles and packs of 10 are available
- Sanofi Pasteur: Avaxim PFS singles are restricted to 20 doses per customer/month till May 2022 and pre-booked standing orders are being fulfilled in line with contract agreements. Packs of 10 pre-booked standing orders are being filled with single PFS. No daily orders being fulfilled with 10 packs until May 2022
- MSD: VAQTA adult is available
Paediatric
- GSK: Havrix paediatric PFS singles is currently unavailable, expected resupply in June 2022. Packs of 10 are available
- MSD: VAQTA paediatric is available
Hepatitis B vaccine
Adult
- GSK: Engerix B PFS singles and packs of 10 are currently unavailable and expecting resupply by second week of April
- GSK: Fendrix is available
- MSD: HBVAXPRO 10 µg is available
- MSD: HBVAXPRO 40 µg is available
Paediatric:
- GSK: supplies of Engerix B paediatric singles is currently unavailable
- MSD: HBVAXPRO 5µg is available
Combined hepatitis A and B vaccine
- GSK: Twinrix adult singles and packs of 10 are available
- GSK: Twinrix paediatric is available
- GSK: Ambirix is available
Combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine
- Sanofi Pasteur: Viatim is currently only available for standard orders. Restricted supply for daily orders. From 5 April Viatim will be restricted to 20 doses per customer per month until June 2022. Pre-booked standing orders will be fulfilled in line with contract agreements
Typhoid vaccine
- Sanofi Pasteur: Typhim singles are restricted to 20 doses per customer/month up to May 2022. Pre-booked standing orders are being fulfilled in line with contract agreements. No daily orders are being fulfilled using the 10 pack until May 2022
- Emergent: Vivotif out of stock until mid-2022
Rabies vaccine
- Valneva: Rabipur is currently available
- Sanofi Pasteur: Rabies BP is currently available
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV)
- MSD: supply of Pneumovax 23 (PPV23) PFS is available
Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (PCV)
- Pfizer: Prevenar 13 is currently available
Varicella Zoster vaccine
- GSK: VARILRIX is available
- MSD: VARIVAX is available
- MSD: ZOSTAVAX is available
Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis (inactivated) vaccine
- Sanofi Pasteur: Revaxis is available
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated) vaccine
- GSK: Boostrix-IPV is available
- Sanofi Pasteur: Repevax is available without any restrictions
MMR vaccine
- MSD: MMR Vaxpro is available
- GSK: Priorix is currently available
Meningitis ACWY vaccine
- GSK: Menveo is available
- Pfizer: Nimenrix is currently available
- Sanofi Pasteur: MenQuadfi is available to order without any restrictions
Yellow fever vaccine
- Sanofi Pasteur: Stamaril is available
Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV)
- MSD: GARDASIL has been discontinued (please refer to ImmForm for NIP supply status)
- MSD: Gardasil 9 is currently available
- GSK: Cervarix has been discontinued
Cholera vaccine
- Valneva: Dukoral is available
Japanese encephalytis vaccine
- Valneva: Ixiaro is available
-
Data for this age group is not directly comparable as in 2021 to 2022 eligibility started 3 months earlier than the year before. ↩
-
Data for this cohort is not directly comparable as in 2021 to 2022 non-clinical staff were offered influenza vaccine for the first time. Data up to 31 January 2022 (not final end of season data) ↩
-
Data is not directly comparable because eligible cohorts are different, for example in 2021 to 2022 an additional 4 years groups were offered vaccine compared to the year before. Data is from 1 September 2021 to 28 February 2022. ↩