The Health Protection programme provides community outreach and education for Ealing residents and local professionals who work with the general public and at-risk groups in particular.
Our aim is to increase awareness of tuberculosis (TB), Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and vaccinations in Ealing and reduce the associated stigma. We want people to be able to recognise the symptoms early, seek care and prevent infectious disease.
TB is more common in Ealing than in some other areas of England. Prevalence is higher in areas with greater social deprivation, population density and migration from other countries with higher rates of infection.
Vaccinations help prevent the spread of diseases and contribute to community immunity. A new plan aims to increase vaccination rates among children in the London Borough of Ealing by focusing on outreach sessions, training, engagement, and community involvement.
The team has built strong community connections through the TB programme and other Healthier Lifestyles services. They will also work closely with existing vaccination programmes within West London to improve vaccination uptake.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease, caused by a bacterium. It’s preventable and treatable.
Disadvantaged people are more vulnerable to the disease. Some ethnic minority communities and people who are homeless are among those more affected by it.
Early symptoms can include:
- A cough for three weeks or longer
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- High temperature or fever
- Night sweats
- Extreme tiredness or lack of energy.
For more information about TB, see the Truth About TB website
Aims and objectives
The main goal of the programme to raise awareness of childhood vaccinations and improve uptake in Ealing. We aim to build community confidence and strengthen partnerships with the North West London Integrated Care Board, local authorities, community organisations, and NHS trusts in Ealing.
Strategies and Implementation
Outreach sessions (stalls)
We plan to expand outreach sessions in areas with low vaccine uptake across Ealing. These sessions will provide direct engagement opportunities with parents and caregivers to discuss the importance of childhood vaccinations.
Training sessions
We will hold eight training sessions for healthcare professionals and community members, covering the benefits of vaccinations and addressing any concerns. Sessions will target professionals working in nurseries, primary schools, and out-of-school clubs.
Additionally, local GP practices will receive training on childhood vaccinations to help practitioners communicate effectively with parents and answer questions.
Community involvement
- Three new community champions will be trained to advocate for vaccinations within their networks, sharing accurate information and addressing concerns.
- A meeting for community champions will enable collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategy refinement to improve community engagement.
Engagement and communication
- We will use social media to reach a wider audience, posting informative content and addressing common vaccination concerns.
- A vaccination message will be included in a widely distributed newsletter, serving as a reminder and educational resource for parents.
Understanding barriers to immunisation
Using the COM-B model, we will identify barriers to vaccination in Ealing and explore participants' capability, opportunity, and motivation to develop targeted strategies.
Key groups to engage
We will engage the following key groups:
Within Ealing Community Partner Services:
- Child Development Team
- Community Nursing
- Paediatrics
- Looked After Children & Care Leavers Service
- Play-based groups
- Social Communication Assessment
- Special School Nursing
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Early Years’ Practitioner Training.
Within the community
- Ealing Community Voluntary Service
- Baby and toddler play groups
- Places of worship
- Youth clubs
- Roving team
- Schools
- School nurses.
Increasing childhood vaccination uptake in Ealing requires the combined efforts of healthcare professionals, community champions, and engaged residents.
Visit your GP if you feel ill and have TB symptoms.
Contact NHS 111 if your symptoms are severe to discuss options for urgent care.
The Ealing clinical TB service is based in the Chest Clinic in Ealing Hospital (Level 2) and run by London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.
Telephone: 0208 967 5282
Pictured above: Abdi Ali (centre) and his TB team with Ealing Council representatives