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21st October 2009

Advisory note for members who sign up to the Pandemic (H1N1) Vaccination Programme (The Programme)

        1. Administration of a vaccine approved by the Irish Medicines Board is deemed to be Normal GP work.  Our Underwriters have    

            confirmed that cover applies for Normal GP work as per the policy terms, exclusions and conditions of the Medisec Master   

            Policy

         2. Is there an onus on GPs to contact all their patients in the “At Risk” group?

             While it is accepted that it may be difficult for GP Practices to identify all “at risk” patients, members should, as far as is   

             reasonably practicable, do so.  

             Members should also familiarise themselves with the relevant guidelines.

          3. Is there an onus on GP’s to vaccinate non patients of the practice

              While we have been advised by the HSE that there is no onus to treat patients from other Practices, we recommend that 

              members revert to the Ethical Guidelines of the Medical Council in relation thereto.

              If the GP is unable to accommodate patients from other practices, the patients should be advised to contact their own GP or   

              the HSE’s alternative arrangements.

           4. Is there State Indemnity for GPs involved in The Programme?

              The HSE have confirmed in writing that they “are covering the manufacturer’s liability for the vaccine but not offering any    

              cover to the GP in any way”.

           5. Work Load for GP

               Increased patient interventions may have implications in respect of “Health & Safety” issues and relevant practice resources  

               and competencies. Therefore it may become necessary to refer patients to the HSE’s alternative arrangements.

            6. Informed Consent

                Informed consent is critical prior to the administration of the vaccine.

                We refer members to the Medical Council publication on informed consent at

               http://www.medicalcouncil.ie/_fileupload/news/Informed_Consent.pdf and also to the Medisec best practice guidelines with  

               regard to vaccinations at www.medisec.ie/riskmanagement.asp

             7. Concerns re vaccinating pregnant patients

                 Pregnant patients should be given the current HPSC advice available at www.hpsc.ie

                 If a GP is uncomfortable vaccinating a pregnant patient, the patient should be referred to the  HSE’s alternative      

                 arrangements.

                 As per normal advices on record keeping, all patient transactions in relation to The Programme should be appropriately       

                 recorded.

21st October 2009

Advisory note for members who do not sign up to the Pandemic (H1N1) Vaccination Programme (The Programme)

If the GP is approached by patients requesting the vaccine, they should be advised that you are not participating in the Programme, and accordingly refer them to the HSE’s alternative arrangements.