www.kellynurse.comKellyGeneral Practice Nurse
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Flu in the time of COVID

~ Tips ~ Published on 11/09/2020 ~ by Kelly ~

Many of us will be wondering how to organise a socially distanced flu clinic. Here are some COVID specific and more general tips based on the ideas we have had in our practice.

Just suggestions to bring up with the wider team and of course, be mindful of the guidelines created by your CCG/ GP Care Group/ Federation/ Primary Care Network.

  1. LABEL YOUR FRIDGE CONTENTS CLEARLY: we have new types of flu jab this year and we need to make sure everyone knows which is which. Use wire baskets to group and label vaccines. Do not overfill!
  2. MAKE LIFE EASY FOR YOUR GPs & HCAs: load Patient Specific Directions into EMIS ahead of time.
  3. LET YOUR COMPUTERS DO THE WORK: programme EMIS to use 'PROTOCOLs' that allow you to select: type of vaccine, batch, which arm you inject and generate your prescription for you. You can also use this to document your COVID screening questions. You could use a laptop in the waiting room.
  4. A STICKER IN TIME: consider printing out your appointment book and use it to confirm names, dates of birth and affix the sticker from the vaccines ready to write up after the clinic. Make sure this is not visible to other patients.
  5. ONE WAY SYSTEMS: use a one way system to direct patients in and out of the practice without crossing paths.
  6. PREPARATION, PREPARATION, PREPARATION: let people know ahead of time that they are expected to get their arms out ready, to wear short sleeves tops (bearing modesty preferences in mind), and advised them on side effects ahead of time, a leaflet in your patient’s language or video may be helpful.
  7. NO WALK INS: walk in clinics not recommended. It will make social distancing very difficult
  8. MAKE USE OF SPACE: consider doing your flu clinics in the waiting room with screens if needed.
  9. PRESERVE PPE STOCK: your CCG may recommend using aprons and masks on a sessional basis i.e. not changing between every patient. Gloves may not be recommended and instead using alcohol gel before and after every patient contact may be advised. Washing hands regularly is always recommended.
  10. TEMPERATURE CHECK: consider investing in an infrared thermometer to check the people’s temperatures in addition to your screening questions. If you do inadvertently end up with a queue, this may give some peace of mind.
  11. MIND THE GAP: consider using stickers on the floor, even outside to indicate the distance required when individual’s are queuing
  12. PNEUMOCOCCAL and/or SHINGLES: consent people ahead of time to the PPV & Herpes zoster vaccines if indicated, this is a great opportunity.
  13. MAKE USE OF THE COMMUNITY PHARMACIES: many patient’s will already be going to the community pharmacy as part of their routine, minimise their risk by reminding them that they can have their jab there, if they wish. Make sure your local pharmacies notify you of whom they have immunised for reporting and to maintain accurate records.
  14. MAKE SPACE IN THE FRIDGE: divide your order.
  15. FLUENZ TETRA: order little and often as it has a shorter expiry date.
  16. EQUIPMENT: consider the requirements of your flu clinic, if you are working away from your fridge, consider what equipment you may need in order to maintain the cold chain , e.g. are you going to be away from your fridge, consider proper cool bags or even a portable fridge.
  17. DISTRICT NURSES: liaise with you local DN team to understand ahead of time the plans for your housebound cohort and anyone on their caseload. Find out how you will be notified.
  18. ADVERTISE WELL: use SMS messages and posters or banners.
  19. STAY SAFE

Best wishes, Kelly