Gratitude to St. James' Settlement Community Pharmacy: Reflecting on the Success of the New Generation Shingles (SHINGRIX) Vaccination Programme
Over the past two years, Shoebill Health Care has had the privilege of collaborating with St. James' Settlement Community Pharmacy in the "New Generation Shingles Vaccination Programme," providing professional vaccination services at their Community Pharmacies in Fo Tan, Wan Chai, and North Point. This partnership has not only allowed us to help immunocompromised individuals prevent disease but has also highlighted the essential role of nurses in primary healthcare, showcasing their importance in health promotion and disease prevention. Many patients have highly praised our nursing team for their professionalism and attentive care. We would like to take this opportunity to reflect on this collaboration and express our heartfelt gratitude to St. James' Settlement.
Achievements: Over 2,000 Doses Administered
During these two years, we successfully administered over 2,000 doses of the Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), helping immunocompromised individuals prevent herpes zoster. This included providing 100 free shingles vaccine doses to eligible Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients, ensuring that more vulnerable groups could benefit. Those with a referral letter from a Hospital Authority doctor and CSSA documentation were eligible for free vaccination.
Health Risks for Immunocompromised Individuals
Individuals with immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and leukemia, are at higher risk of shingles due to their weakened immunity. When the disease strikes, their symptoms are often more severe than in the general population and can lead to complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis, and meningitis, significantly increasing hospitalization risks. Vaccination for this group is not only a crucial preventive measure but also a key step in improving their quality of life.
Shoebill Health Care’s Professional Outreach Vaccination Services
Shoebill Health Care has long been dedicated to refining the processes and expertise of outreach vaccination services, offering reliable and professional support to partners and clients. We have accumulated extensive experience in vaccine intellectual property, process design, procurement, and maintenance. In the past, we have served numerous schools, care homes, and organizations, administering over 200,000 doses and conducting more than 1,000 outreach sessions, earning the trust of our clients.
The Expertise of Our Nursing Team
Throughout this program, our nursing team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication:
1. Comprehensive Assessment and Care
Our nurses, with their rich clinical experience, provided thorough health assessments for patients. Even with a referral letter from a public doctor, our nurses conducted detailed evaluations to ensure patients were suitable for vaccination. This included reviewing their eHealth records, medication allergies, and potential risk factors to guarantee the safety and efficacy of the vaccination. We worked closely with doctors to discuss medication and vaccination plans, recommending the most suitable schedules for patients.
2. Handling Emergencies.
Our nursing team is trained to handle various emergencies. Whether dealing with adverse reactions post-vaccination or immediate health concerns, they responded swiftly and effectively, ensuring patients received the best possible care.
3. Health Education and Counselling
Beyond vaccination, we focused on health education. Our nurses explained the vaccine’s effects, potential side effects, and post-vaccination precautions, empowering patients to make informed decisions. This educational role is vital in raising community health awareness and promoting disease prevention.
Looking Ahead
As the demand for primary healthcare continues to grow, the role of nurse clinics will become increasingly important. We are committed to enhancing our nursing team’s expertise, adopting advanced nursing techniques and concepts, and delivering higher-quality services. We also hope to collaborate with more community organizations to launch additional health promotion initiatives, helping more individuals prevent diseases and improve their quality of life.
Once Again, Thank You
Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to St. James' Settlement Community Pharmacy for the opportunity to contribute to community health.
About Shoebill Health Care
Shoebill Health Care is dedicated to providing professional and reliable vaccination services while actively participating in community health programs. Our nursing team boasts extensive clinical experience, offering comprehensive health assessments and care. If you have any questions about vaccination or health management, please feel free to contact us.
