Vaccination and Public Health Links

Vaccination reduces susceptibility and transmission for several infections with ocular effects. Optical teams can protect themselves and reinforce public health messages without turning consultations into vaccine clinics.^[1][2]

Staff vaccination priorities

Staff benefit from influenza and COVID-19 vaccination due to close patient contact.^[2][1]

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and varicella immunity protect against measles and chickenpox exposures.^[3][4] Hepatitis B is relevant if sharps are used or there is potential for blood contact.^[5]

Vaccines with ocular relevance

Measles may cause keratoconjunctivitis, and rubella and mumps have ocular sequelae.^[3] Varicella-zoster vaccination reduces shingles and ophthalmic complications in older adults.^[4] Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination prevents conditions with ocular adnexal relevance.^[7]

Roles within scope

Optometrists and optical staff can signpost to National Health Service (NHS) vaccination services and provide balanced information. Avoid coercion and respect patient autonomy while highlighting safety and benefits. Document brief advice where appropriate.^[6]

• Practical steps for teams: maintain confidential staff vaccination records; support time to attend clinics; provide seasonal reminders; and align messaging with national guidance during outbreaks.^[6][2]

Communication in clinics

Use neutral scripts when patients ask. Tailor explanations to age, risk, and previous history. Avoid detailed counselling outside scope and signpost to reliable sources promptly.^[6]

Handling declinations

Staff may decline vaccination. Manage risk with SICPs, masks during peaks if agreed, and task allocation when appropriate. Keep records factual, stating risk controls and review dates.^[6]

Domiciliary considerations

Care homes follow their own vaccination policies. Confirm local requirements before visits. Respect resident consent processes and coordinate IPC with site leads.^[6]

Updating policies

Review vaccination guidance annually. Update induction materials and seasonal briefings. Capture changes in a one-page revision note with date and approver.^[6]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. COVID-19: the Green Book, chapter 14a - UK Health Security Agency Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Influenza: the Green Book, chapter 19 - UK Health Security Agency (last updated 29 May 2025) Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Measles guidance for primary, community care, emergency departments and hospital - NHS England (published 20 March 2024) Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Varicella: the Green Book, chapter 34 - UK Health Security Agency (30 September 2024) Find (opens in a new tab)
5. BBVs in healthcare workers: health clearance and management - UK Health Security Agency Find (opens in a new tab)
6. National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) for England - NHS England (published March 2025) Find (opens in a new tab)
7. Human papillomavirus‐related neoplasia of the ocular adnexa — Ingvild Margrethe Sellæg Ramberg; Acta Ophthalmologica (2022) Find (opens in a new tab)