As part of the neonatal hep B programme, a failsafe process has been developed which involves the CHIS (Child Health Information System) following up practices where vaccinations are missed or delayed. You will be aware that although the 6 in 1 primary vaccination is given to all babies, what this failsafe process is referring to is the targeted programme where babies born to Hep B positive mums are given additional doses at 1 month and 12 months to protect them from developing hepatitis B. The first dose is given by the maternity unit in hospital.
The CHIS may therefore contact your practice by telephone or email to follow up patients that are indicated as having missed/overdue doses or missed/overdue blood spot tests. It is very important that you respond to the CHIS as they often have to follow up practices several times. It is crucial that the Hepatitis B targeted vaccination programme is delivered at the appropriate time to ensure babies receive optimum protection. Any delays in doses compromises the health of the baby and exposes them to the risk of developing hepatitis B.
For further information on hepatitis B, please refer to the links below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hepatitis-b-vaccine-for-at-risk-infants-aide-memoire
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hepatitis-b-the-green-book-chapter-18
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hepatitis-b-vaccine/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-your-baby-against-hepatitis-b-leaflet
740