This month we sat down with our vaccination team, who gave us an update on this year’s flu campaign and showed us the other work they do, which often goes unseen. They are doing amazing work in partnership with local health and community organisations that goes far beyond just vaccination to improve the health of our communities.

Below is an update on what’s been delivered by the team so far this year.

Seasonal flu

Most recently, the team has been out and about giving people their seasonal vaccinations for COVID-19 and flu, as well as supporting maternity teams with a community maternity vaccination offering in clinics across Devon.

In the last few weeks, surveillance data from the UK Health and Social Services Agency (UKHSA) shows flu is circulating earlier than usual this season. In the first two weeks of November the team increased the flu offering in the community to help reduce the risk of transmission for both staff and patients.

Still need to get your #JabDone? See our upcoming clinics for dates, times and locations.

HPV and MPox

Earlier this year our wonderful vaccinators supported the 2025 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination catch up programme offered in schools, colleges and community organisations to boost uptake for those who may have missed out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team also delivered Mpox vaccinations in the community, collaborating with sexual health teams.

RSV and shingles

We’ve also continued our support for Primary Care Network (PCN) colleagues, delivering respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and shingles vaccinations in patients’ homes.

Introduction of our Vaccination Education Service

This year we also introduced our Vaccination Education Service in Devon, delivering tailored health education sessions across communities and organisations to raise awareness, tackle misinformation and encourage informed decisions around immunisations.

Broader wellbeing support through our outreach clinics

Our outreach vaccination clinics act as a gateway to provide wider wellbeing support. We’ve worked in partnership with local health and community organisations to offer the NHS Health Check, smoking cessation advice, blood pressure monitoring, and general health and wellbeing guidance.

Focusing on communities with the greatest health inequalities, we’ve been able to bring vaccination and health education directly to the people who need it most. Our outreach team also provides home visits for housebound and care home residents, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to stay protected.

What’s on the horizon for next year?

When seasonal vaccination campaigns wind down, planning for the next begins!

Between campaigns, our outreach and education programmes continue year-round, supported by our incredible network of NHSP staff and volunteers, who help us meet our seasonal peaks.

Pictured above are members of our clinical team