What’s changing:
- From July/August 2025, Child Health Information Services (CHIS) will begin using text messages as the primary method for childhood vaccination invitations, with letters used as a follow-up where needed.
- Texts reminding parents to contact their GP to book an appointment will be sent from 21 July in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Practices will start to see patients attending appointments without CHIS letters from 4 August.
- Surrey is in phase 2 however, and these changes will be seen in September
- This aligns with national NHS strategies and supports improved timeliness, accessibility, and sustainability.
What practices need to know:
- Weekly clinic lists will continue to be sent to practices.
- Surrey & Sussex Screening and Immunisation Team suggest:
- Vaccinating nurses have access to these lists and continue to check GP records.
- That practices Keep children’s records updated with accurate mobile numbers.
- That practices record any parental preference for letters in the GP system.
Pilot findings show this approach is as effective as letters and improves uptake among underserved groups.
Practices who have questions or would like a CHIS team member to attend a meeting, should contact: [email protected]
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a new document that defines the key elements for the implementation and delivery of a safe, equitable, high quality, effective and efficient immunisation service which is responsive to the needs of vaccine recipients and their parents or carers. It is intended for all those involved in the immunisation programme pathway, including commissioners, providers, and advisers in England.
This document is a useful resource for practices and has clearly defined sections that can be read in isolation. Please see Quality criteria for an effective immunisation programme – GOV.UK