Rapid response to an infection outbreak  

The specialist services team mobilised an emergency vaccination clinic for a Manchester-based children’s nursery following a recent hepatitis A exposure.

The UK Health Security Agency reached out to gtd healthcare to vaccinate the closest people who could have been exposed to the infection after a child travelled back to the UK with hepatitis A.

Victoria Rowlinson, clinical services manager, said the specialist services team organised the clinic quickly and co-ordinated vaccines and risk assessments in only a few days, including over a bank holiday, to ensure the safety of the children, staff and the wider community.

"The uptake of the vaccines at the nursery was fantastic among children and nursery staff," she said.

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver that can cause mild to severe illness. It is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person.

The vaccination against hepatitis A is not routinely offered in the UK because the risk of infection is low for most people. However, there is an increased risk when coming into close contact with someone as it can lead to acute liver failure.

Fantastic efforts from the specialist services team!