NHS England Awards Immunisation Contract

NHS England has made an urgent award to Dorset HealthCare under the Provider Selection Regime for maternal and neonatal immunisation services, valued at £250,000. The urgent nature of this contract arises from unforeseen circumstances that could impact patients if delays occurred. This contract includes essential vaccinations such as Pertussis, Flu, and COVID-19 for pregnant women, as well as BCG vaccinations for newborns, with specific focus on implementing the new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme.

Beginning on September 1, 2024, the RSV vaccination will be vital in ensuring... pregnant women are protected during the latter stages of their pregnancy. Since 2023, key recommendations from health authorities such as the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation have driven efforts to launch this immunisation initiative.

Dorset HealthCare, which has extensive experience in vaccination services, including responses to COVID-19 and school-aged immunisations, has been chosen to fulfill these immediate healthcare needs. The decision was made after an assessment found that in-house provisions cannot meet the necessary requirements due to the urgency of the situation.

The swift action taken by NHS England demonstrates a commitment to maintaining patient safety and delivering essential healthcare services in a timely manner. The contract aims to address immediate risks and ensure that vulnerable populations receive critical vaccinations without interruption.