Audit of immunization policy and practice of health care workers within National Health Service Trusts in England and Wales

The purpose of this study was to identify the variation in occupational hea lth immunization policies and practice within NHS Trusts throughout England and Wales, Questionnaires were sent to 440 NHS Trusts and 279 were returne d (a response rate of 63%), The results were compared with current Departme nt of Health Guidelines.' They highlighted the fact that NHS Trusts do not adopt a consistent approach to immunization practice and that these policie s often do not reflect Department of Health Guidance, Of those responding, 249 (89%) stated that they would like additional guidance on immunization p ractice within the NHS workplace, The production of updated, evidence-based guidelines for immunization practice, may help to ensure that a more consi stent approach is taken throughout the NHS. This would benefit both the Tru sts and their employees who at present may be confused by being given diffe rent advice when moving between Trusts.