Why is there a problem with vaccinating in care homes

[notevenat20]

I was reading www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55166292 where it explains that:

"Roll-out is also difficult. Through a combination of the need to keep the vaccine at ultra-cold storage and the fact that the jab comes in batches of 975 that cannot be split up at the moment, immunisation will only be offered from a network of 50 hospitals to start with."

But I don't understand. Why can't they be split? And why can't you take out 975 and then drive them, with a flashing blue light, to different care homes? I believe the vaccine can survive a few days at fridge temperature.

@Susanwouldntlikeit

Then why supply them in batches of 975?? Why not say 50?

It’s a fine question.

It will be a legacy from the trial when this was the easiest presentation. Additional work will need to be done on shelf life in smaller packs before the pack size can be redesigned. Also, 50 is still too big. Singles or 5s would be best.

This morning I woke up to a call that all has changed.

Now care homes and over 80s will be first. It hasn’t been thought through and weeks of planning are now down the drain and we’re all being asked now to replan to have things ready for some Trusts to vaccinate over 80s from Monday and for care homes and primary care to follow by 15th (not all but some in each region).

This vaccine programme is a microcosm of why working in the NHS is often totally thankless. We are a political football. Decisions are made for headlines with no account of the implications for patients or the people who have to try to support them.

Just taken 10 minute break - first since I took the call at 7.

@247SylviaPlath

This morning I woke up to a call that all has changed.

Now care homes and over 80s will be first. It hasn’t been thought through and weeks of planning are now down the drain and we’re all being asked now to replan to have things ready for some Trusts to vaccinate over 80s from Monday and for care homes and primary care to follow by 15th (not all but some in each region).

This vaccine programme is a microcosm of why working in the NHS is often totally thankless. We are a political football. Decisions are made for headlines with no account of the implications for patients or the people who have to try to support them.

Just taken 10 minute break - first since I took the call at 7.

That’s a big change Sylvia wondering how the care home part works? I thought it couldn’t be split up. Is over 80s via a hospital still

Are they planning on transporting them all somehow to the vaccination centres (the one we worked on is all complete and ready to go).

If so, good luck with the logistics on that one.

They’re saying they have ‘re-evaluated’ the logistics! Not sure of more yet we’re waiting for official statement. Will check back in later tonight. Apparently the change was on sky news this morning (before almost anyone had been told in the nhs).

@WiseUpJanetWeiss

Apologies, but I don't have time to trawl through links, I thought a quick question was ok.

Yes of course - I was just providing the source info to prove I wasn’t making it up.

It’s the fact sheets for patients and HCPs and the MHRA’s conditions so well worth a read when you get the time.

Will do, thank you!

I really hope this is true, it would be amazing if care home residents can be first!

I think it just needs the MHRA to authorise the splitting batches, which they might even do at source in Belgium.

@notevenat20

I think it just needs the MHRA to authorise the splitting batches, which they might even do at source in Belgium.

Surely that would mean one extra 'movement' of the vaccine, thus reducing the number available for onwards transport before rendering the whole lot fit for the bin.

@notevenat20

I think it just needs the MHRA to authorise the splitting batches, which they might even do at source in Belgium.

I doubt that very much. The packs will be split in the UK.

Regardless of the regulatory issues it’s still a logistical nightmare.

Hmm not sure - I think frontline staff should be priority too, so services don’t have to close. Chronic staff shortages is going to hinder the vaccination programme.

From the news it looks like England and Scotland are coming to different views on this. The Scots saying they will vaccinate care home residents starting in a fortnight's time.

Update from Sky news just....

"The two companies have said the jab can be sent to care homes as long as it travels for no more than six hours after it leaves cold storage and is then put in a normal fridge at 2C to 8C.

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now said the vaccine boxes containing 975 doses can be split into smaller numbers of doses, meaning some would not be wasted if sent to individual residential homes."

Source: news.sky.com/story/covid-19-vaccine-now-in-the-uk-sky-news-understands-12150269

So from that very basic summary it sounds like they are planning to send it directly to care homes now. They make it sound very easy although from posters on this thread who are more directly involved with it the logistics sound a lot more complex, will be interesting to see if it goes according to plan.