Solent NHS Trust helping parents through the e-consent process for their child’s immunisations
Solent NHS Trust’s School Age Immunisation (SAI) service has welcomed new immunisation support workers to help parents completing the online, e-consent process whether their child receives their immunisations at school or not.
The new support workers – Kate, Debbie and Andrea – will be on hand to share a variety of key details and information to parents and carers of school-age children across Portsmouth and Southampton cities, and on the Isle of Wight, on a variety of aspects including the role that immunisations play in a child’s health, the current school vaccination programmes, and how to submit their e-consent, all to help them make an informed choice for their child’s health.
Parents will have the opportunity to speak with the immunisations support workers in school, in the playground, at parents’ sessions and parent evenings as well as community events. Kate, Andrea and Debbie will work across Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight to be ensure the school vaccination programmes are as accessible as possible.
Jackie Munro, Chief Nurse at Solent NHS Trust, said: “We know that online consent can feel daunting and confusing for some parents which is why we are delighted to have Kate, Debbie and Andrea join the service, to really be the friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable faces for everyone to confidently complete their e-consent for their child, or know how to decline that immunisation invitation if they wish.
“School age immunisations play a really important role in protecting the school aged children in our families and communities from contagious viruses and diseases, particularly ahead of the winter weather and festive season when many groups will be gathering together.
“We would encourage parents to check with their child’s school to know when their school has immunisations running next, and when Kate, Debbie or Andrea will be on site to help.”
Children educated in other settings will be sent an email to their home address or can also access their support by contacting the School Age Immunisations Service.
One parent has praised the work of the SAI service. They said: “What an amazing team – they were very calm and very professional. They supported nervous students to have the vaccines with care and compassion. My own son received the flu vaccination, and the staff were kind and found ways to engage with him.”
This video explains how to complete the e-consent form and you can read more about Solent’s SAI service online.