Letters and urgent communications 2021

Advice from the Chief Medical Officer to HSC professionals for 2021

Documents

HSS(MD)91/2021 - Updated policy for management of self-isolation of close contacts of Covid-19 cases - additional safeguards for health and social care staff
PDF (398 KB)

HSS(MD) 81/2021 (ADDENDUM) - Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nMABs) or antivirals for non-hospitalised patients with Covid-19 – further addendum
PDF (538 KB)

HSS(MD) 90/2021 - Covid-19 therapeutic alert: neutralising monoclonal antibody and intravenous antiviral treatments for patients in hospital with Covid-19 infection
PDF (794 KB)

HSS(MD) 89/2021 - JCVI Update on advice for covid-19 vaccination of children and young people
PDF (574 KB)

HSS(MD) 88/2021 - Updated supply disruption alert - tocilizumab (roactemra®) 162mg/0.9ml solution for injection pre-filled syringes and pre-filled pens – non Covid-19 indications
PDF (751 KB)

HSS(MD) 87/2021 - Information about Covid-19 treatments – the panoramic study, antivirals for non-hospitalised patients with Covid-19
PDF (329 KB)

HSS(MD)86/2021 - Supply disruption alert - advanz epoprostenol 0.5mg and 1.5mg powder and solvent (ph10.5) for solution for infusion vials
PDF (574 KB)

Letter from UK CMO's to Medical and Health Service Staff - 21 December 2021
PDF (157 KB)

HSS (MD)85/2021 - Updated policy for management of self-isolation of close contacts of Covid-19 cases - additional safeguards for health and social care staff
PDF (382 KB)

HSS (MD) 84 2021 - JCVI advice that pregnant women of any age should be considered, as a clinical risk group for Covid-19
PDF (565 KB)

HSS (MD) 83/2021 - Integrated Guidance Update on health clearance of healthcare workers and the management of healthcare workers living with bloodborne viruses
PDF (903 KB)

HSS (MD)82/2021 - Suspension of the 15 minute with MRNA vaccine for Covid 19
PDF (617 KB)

HSS(MD) 81/2021 (Addendum) - Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (NMABS) or antivirals for non-hospitalised patients with Covid-19
PDF (263 KB)

HSS(MD)81/2021 - Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nmabs) or antivirals for non-hospitalised patients with Covid-19
PDF (322 KB)

HSS(MD)80/2021 - Vaccination issues – Covid-19 vaccination programme
PDF (644 KB)

HSS(MD) 79/2021 - JCVI Issues advice on the vaccine response to the Omicron variant
PDF (572 KB)

HSS(MD) 78/2021 - Immediate actions in response to new variant Sars-cov-2 identified
PDF (239 KB)

HSS(MD) 77/2021 - Supply disruption alert - Hypovase® (Prazosin) 500microgram tablets
PDF (760 KB)

HSS (MD) 76/2021 - Update from JCVI regarding second doses for 16 and 17 year olds, boosters for 40 to 49 year olds and timing of the interval for booster doses
PDF (620 KB)

Addendum to HSS(MD) 75/2021 - Patients requiring Astrazeneca Vaccine as a booster
PDF (540 KB)

HSS(MD) 75/2021 - Patients Requiring Astrazeneca Vaccine as a Booster
PDF (557 KB)

HSS(MD) 74/2021 - Updated supply disruption alert - champix® (varenicline) 0.5mg and 1mg tablets
PDF (603 KB)

HSS(MD) 73/2021 - Supply disruption alert - tocilizumab (roactemra®) 162mg/0.9ml solution for injection pre-filled syringes and pre-filled pens – non covid-19 indications
PDF (596 KB)

HSS(MD) 72/2021 - Supply disruption alert - diazepam rectubes® 2.5mg rectal solution
PDF (715 KB)

HSS(MD) 71/2021 - Vaccine Supply for the Covid-19 Booster Vaccination Programme
PDF (587 KB)

HSS(MD) 70/2021 - Universal vaccination of children and young people aged 12-15 years against Covid-19
PDF (570 KB)

HSS(MD) 69/2021 - Covid-19 booster vaccine programme for winter 2021/22
PDF (631 KB)

Addendum HSS(MD)68/2021 - Deployment of the Pfizer and Moderna covid-19 vaccines in general practice - governance, handling and preparation requirements
PDF (90 KB)

HSS(MD) 68/2021 - Deployment of Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines in General Practice
PDF (322 KB)

HSS(MD) 67/2021 - The use of Unlicensed Medicines in the Treatment of Covid-19
PDF (392 KB)

Statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers on Water Fluoridation – 23 September 2021
PDF (122 KB)

HSS(MD) 66/2021 - Advice on third primary dose for Covid-19 Vaccination
PDF (767 KB)

HSS(MD)65/2021 - Addendum (no 2) - Covid-19 therapeutic alert: neutralising monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of Covid-19 in hospitalised patients - update
PDF (367 KB)

HSS(MD) 65/2021 (Addendum) - Covid-19 therapeutic alert: casirivimab and imdevimab (ronapreve®) for patients hospitalised due to covid-19
PDF (553 KB)

HSS(MD) 65/2021 - Covid-19 therapeutic alert: casirivimab and imdevimab (ronapreve®) for patients hospitalised due to covid-19
PDF (293 KB)

HSS(MD) 64/2021 (Addendum) - Seasonal influenza vaccination programme 2021/22
PDF (414 KB)

HSS(MD) 64/2021 - Seasonal influenza vaccination programme 2021/22
PDF (1.4 MB)

HSS(MD) 63/2021 - Covid-19 therapeutic alert: interleukin-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab or sarilumab) for adult patients hospitalised due to Covid-19
PDF (234 KB)

Interim Clinical Commissioning Policy: IL-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab or sarilumab) for hospitalised patients with COVID-19 (adults) - 31 January 2022
PDF (248 KB)

UK CMOs letter on Universal Vaccination of Children and Young People aged 12-15 years against COVID-19
PDF (771 KB)

CMO letter to Parents, Pupils and school community - September 2021
PDF (197 KB)

HSS (MD) 62/2021 - Shingles Vaccination Programme – Eligibility Criteria for 2021/22 and Introduction of Shingrix® for Immunocompromised
PDF (328 KB)

HSS (MD) 61/2021 - Labelling of Fluenz Tetra® Vaccine during 2021/22 Influenza Season
PDF (391 KB)

HSS (MD) 60/2021 - Potent Synthetic Opioids Implicated in Increase in Drug Overdoses
PDF (301 KB)

HSS (MD) 59/2021 - Updated policy for management of self-isolation of close contacts of covid-19 cases who are fully vaccinated - additional safeguards for health and social care staff
PDF (628 KB)

HSS (MD) 58/2021 - Update to UK Guidance on Patient Consent for Blood Transfusion
PDF (655 KB)

HSS (MD) 57/2021 - Pause on Vaccination of Low Priority Groups and Change to the Ordering Process for Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (Pneumovax®23), Vaccine for the National Immunisation Programme
PDF (344 KB)

HSS (MD) 56/2021 - Further updated advice from JCVI regarding children aged 16 and 17 years of age
PDF (490 KB)

HSS (MD) 55/2021 - Supply Disruption Alert – Glipizide (Minodiab®) 5mg Tablets
PDF (527 KB)

HSS (MD) 54/2021 – Updated JCVI Advice re Children 12-17 Years of Age
PDF (488 KB)

HSS (MD) 53/2021 - Supply disruption alert - tinzaparin sodium (10,000 iu/ml) 3,500 units in 0.35 ml and 4,500 units in 0.45 ml pre-filled syringes
PDF (594 KB)

HSS (MD) 52/2021 - Change of dose interval between the pfizer-biontech and moderna covid-19 vaccines
PDF (396 KB)

HSS (MD) 51/2021 - Polyethylene glycol (peg) laxatives and starch-based thickeners: potential interactive effect when mixed, leading to an increased risk of aspiration
PDF (253 KB)

HSS (MD) 50/2021 - Revised RQIA/GAIN hyperkalaemia guideline
PDF (191 KB)

HSS (MD) 49/2021 - Fully vaccinated Health & Social Care Staff told to self-isolate as a close contact may be permitted to attend work in exceptional circumstances
PDF (480 KB)

HSS (MD) 48/2021 - Use of European Medicines Agency (EMA) Authorised Medicines in Northern Ireland
PDF (537 KB)

HSS (MD) 47/2021 - Personal protective equipment and heat - Risk of heat stress
PDF (278 KB)

HSS (MD) 46/2021 - Palivizumab passive immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in at risk pre-term infants - PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ADVICE HAS NOW EXPIRED
PDF (474 KB)

HSS (MD) 46/2021 - Covid-19 rapid policy statement - PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS STATEMENT HAS NOW EXPIRED
PDF (380 KB)

HSS (MD) 45/2021 - EU Settlement Scheme – Access to Healthcare for EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens Resident in Northern Ireland by 31 December 2020
PDF (260 KB)

HSS (MD) 44 2021 - Supply Disruption Alert - Dexamethasone 0.1% (Maxidex®) 5ml Eye Drops
PDF (718 KB)

HSS (MD) 43/2021 - UK Patient Safety Alert NatPSA2021005MHRA- Philips ventilator, CPAP and BiPAP devices Potential for patient harm due to inhalation of particles and volatile organic compounds
PDF (331 KB)

HSS (MD) 42/2021 - Supply Disruption Alert - Champix® (Varenicline) 0.5MG and 1mg Tablets
PDF (569 KB)

HSS (MD) 41/2021 – Hepatitis C becomes a Notifiable Disease in Northern Ireland
PDF (171 KB)

HSS (MD) 40/2021 - Remdesivir for Patients Hospitalised with COVID-19 (Adults and Children aged 12 Years and over) COVID-19 Therapeutic Alert
PDF (359 KB)

Interim Clinical Commissioning Policy: Remdesivir for patients hospitalised with COVID-19 (adults and children 12 years and older) Version 3
PDF (675 KB)

HSS (MD) 39/2021 - Change of Dose Interval between COVID-19 Vaccines
PDF (224 KB)

HSS (MD) 38/2021 - Vaccination Protocol for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna
PDF (1.1 MB)

HSS (MD) 37/2021 - Vaccination protocol update for Covid-19 vaccine Astrazeneca - 26 May 2021 -
PDF (1.1 MB)

HSS (MD) 36/2021 - Change to the Supply Route of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (Pneumovax®23), Vaccine for the National Immunisation Programme
PDF (361 KB)

HSS (MD)35/2021 - Use of the Astrazeneca Vaccine: Advice on Updated JCVI Statement
PDF (262 KB)

HSS (MD) 34/2021 - MHRA and JCVI ANNOUNCEMENT regarding Astrazeneca Vaccine Updated Contraindications and Next Steps
PDF (606 KB)

HSS (MD) 33/2021 - JCVI Announcement regarding COVID-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy and Next Steps
PDF (480 KB)

HSS (MD) 32/2021 - Vaccination Protocol for COVID-19 Vaccine BNT162b2 (Pfizer / Biontech) and Update to Vaccination Protocol for COVID-19 Vaccine Astrazeneca
PDF (1.6 MB)

HSS(MD) 31/2021 - End of the 2020/21 flu season and related issues
PDF (224 KB)

HSS (MD) 30/2021 - Supply Disruption Alert – Propofol Emulsion for Infusion and Injection (All Strengths) – Update
PDF (510 KB)

HSS(MD) 29/2021 (Addendum) - Covid-19 therapeutic alert – withdrawal of the recommendation for consideration of inhaled budesonide as a treatment option
PDF (642 KB)

HSS (MD) 29/2021 - COVID-19 Therapeutic Alert - Inhaled Budesonide for Adults (50 Years And Over) with COVID-19
PDF (325 KB)

HSS (MD) 28/2021 - COVID-19 Vaccine Astrazeneca and Thromboembolic Events with Concurrent Low Platelet Counts
PDF (214 KB)

HSS (MD) 27/2021 - Palivizumab Passive Immunisation against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Rsv) in At-Risk Pre-Term Infants
PDF (194 KB)

HSS (MD) 26/2021 - Vaccination Protocol for COVID-19 Vaccine Astrazeneca
PDF (1001 KB)

HSS (MD) 25/2021 - Convalescent Plasma in the management of hospitalised patients with Covid-19
PDF (186 KB)

HSS (MD) 24/2021 - UK Patient Safety Alert NATPSA/2021/001/MHRA - Becton Dickinson (BD) Intra-Venous (IV) and Gravity Feed Infusion Sets
PDF (2.4 MB)

HSS (MD) 23/2021 - Supply Disruption Alert - Repaglinide 1mg and 2mg Tablets
PDF (815 KB)

HSS (MD) 22/2021 – Supply Disruption Alert – Discontinuation of Morphine Sulphate (Mst Continus®) 20mg, 30mg, 60mg, 100mg and 200mg Prolonged Release Granules for Oral Suspension (Napp Pharmaceuticals)
PDF (606 KB)

HSS (MD) 21/2021 - COVID-19 Therapeutic Alert – Interleukin-6 Inhibitors (Tocilizumab or Sarilumab) for Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia (Adults) - Update
PDF (352 KB)

HSS (MD) 20/2021 COVID-19 Vaccines : Weekly Publication of Yellow Card Safety Data
PDF (230 KB)

HSS (MD) 19/2021 - COVID-19 Therapeutic Alert – Colchicine in the Management Of COVID-19 Positive Patients – Use Only in a Clinical Trial Setting
PDF (281 KB)

HSS (MD) 18/2021 - Supply Disruption Alert - Phyllocontin® (Aminophylline) 225mg and 350mg Modified Release Tablets
PDF (1.2 MB)

HSS (MD) 17/2021 - Supply Disruption Alert – Propofol Emulsion for Infusion and Injection (All Strengths)
PDF (553 KB)

HSS (MD) 16/2021 - COVID-19 Therapeutic Alert - Interleukin-6 Inhibitors (Tocilizumab or Sarilumab) for Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia (Adults) – Update
PDF (328 KB)

HSS (MD) 15/2021 - COVID-19 Therapeutic Alert – Antimicrobials (Azithromycin and Doxycycline) not Beneficial in the Management Of COVID-19 – (SARS-CoV-2) Positive Patients
PDF (300 KB)

HSS (MD) 14/2021 - Safety of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy: Updated Advice Following Comprensive Safety Review
PDF (274 KB)

HSS (MD) 13/2021 - Updated Guidance on Timing of COVID-19 Vaccine Dosing Interval in Patients due to Receive Treatment with Immunosuppressants
PDF (490 KB)

HSS (MD) 12/2021 - Supply Disruption to Stoma Care Products
PDF (84 KB)

HSS (MD) 11/2021 - Prescribing of Vitamin D as a Preventative Measure against COVID-19
PDF (206 KB)

HSS (MD) 10/2021 - Guidance on the Use of the COVID-19 Vaccine Astrazeneca to Vaccinate Housebound Patients
PDF (563 KB)

HSS (MD) 9/2021 - New Variants of SARS-CoV-2 Virus (Brazilian Variants); Action for the Health Service
PDF (229 KB)

HSS (MD) 8/2021 - Supply Disruption Alert - Methylprednisolone Powder for Solution for Injection (All Strengths)
PDF (495 KB)

HSS (MD) 7/2021 - Support Doctors throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic
PDF (354 KB)

HSS (MD) 6/2021 - COVID-19 Therapeutic Alert – Interleukin-6 Inhibitors (Tocilizumab Or Sarilumab) for Patients admitted to Critical Care Settings with COVID-19 Pneumonia (Adults)
PDF (331 KB)

HSS (MD) 5/2021 - Data Capture from the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme
PDF (182 KB)

Interim Position Statement: Interleukin-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab or sarilumab) for patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19 pneumonia (adults)
PDF (197 KB)

HSS (MD) 4/2021 - Timing of Interval between Covid-19 Vaccine Doses
PDF (461 KB)

HSS (MD) 3/2021 - Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme 2020/21 – Extension to 50-64 Year Olds
PDF (293 KB)

HSS (MD) 2/2021 - Deployment of COVID-19 Vaccine Oxford / AstraZeneca - Governance, Handling and Preparation in General Practice
PDF (242 KB)

HSS (MD) 1/2021 - Lithium Carbonate (Priadel®) 200mg and 400mg Modified Release Tablets – Updated Supply Disruption Alert
PDF (791 KB)

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