Generally Practicing

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Medical information spreads rapidly on social media platforms, but not always accurately. When patients encounter alarming headlines about medications they're taking, they naturally bring those concerns to their GP appointments. This episode tackles three recent women's health topics generating buzz online and clarifies what healthcare professionals need to know.

First, we examine the link between Depo-Provera contraceptive injections and brain tumours. 

We also address the critical interaction between GLP-1 medications (particularly Mounjaro) and hormonal contraception. 

Finally, we explore the evidence behind the new five-year cervical screening interval for HPV-negative samples. 

Useful links;

Depo study - Use of progestogens and the risk of intracranial meningioma: national case-control study | The BMJ

FSRH Statement relating to Depo and meningioma - FSRH CEU Statement: Response to new study by Roland et al (2024) | FSRH

Pfizers response - Medroxyprogesterone_acetate_-_Risk_of_meningioma_and_measures_to_minimise_this_risk_-_to_publish.pdf

FSRH Statement on GLP-1 and oral contraception - CEU-statement-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf

FSRH Patient information leaflet - Patient-information-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf

UK Government statement for GLP-1s - GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know - GOV.UK

BMJ Study increased cervical screening intervals - Extension of cervical screening intervals with primary human papillomavirus testing: observational study of English screening pilot data | The BMJ

Eve Appeal 5 year interval info - Cervical screening moving to every five years in England  - The Eve Appeal

UK GOV self sampling study - HPValidate cervical screening self-sampling study publishes final results – UK National Screening Committee

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Ready for a seismic shift in how we protect our youngest patients? The UK's childhood immunisation schedule is about to undergo its most dramatic transformation ever, and getting it right will be crucial for both patient safety and practice efficiency.

The heart of these changes responds directly to concerning epidemiological shifts: Meningitis B infections in babies more commonly peaks in ages 1-3 months rather than 5-6 months, prompting the second Men B dose to move forward from 16 weeks to 12 weeks. Meanwhile, GSK's discontinuation of Menitorix necessitates restructuring the one-year vaccines, while successful reduction of Meningitis C cases allows for schedule optimisation. But higher-than-ideal Hib infections in 1-4 year olds mean we'll soon need to incorporate an entirely new 18-month appointment starting January 2026.

Navigating these changes requires careful attention to timing. 

From July 1st, 2025, your 12-week attendees will receive Men B (previously given at 16 weeks), while PCV moves to the 16-week appointment. For one-year immunisations, the schedule depends on birth date: children born after July 1st, 2024 follow the new Menitorix-free schedule, while earlier births still receive it while stocks last. The most challenging aspect? Red books won't reflect these changes for some time, requiring clear explanations to parents and vigilant checking of records.

Want to ensure you're giving the right vaccines at the right time? Check out the Excel-based child immunisation calendar tool from Health Publications (linked below). And remember - we're intelligent professionals, but we're also incredibly busy. Take time to advocate for additional appointment minutes during this transition period. Your careful attention now prevents recall appointments later!

Looking for guidance on other clinical topics? Share your suggestions for future episodes on women's health, contraception, and long-term conditions. Subscribe now to stay ahead of these critical changes and keep Generally Practising with confidence!

Here is a link to the letter outlining the changes 

Changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule from 1 July 2025 and 1 January 2026 letter - GOV.UK 

Here is a link to the UKHAS slide set detailing the changes 

Changes to the routine childhood immunisation programme in 2025 and 2026

Here is a link to the Childhood immunisations calculator, you will need to scroll down and download the excel sheet to use this

Childhood immunisation eligibilty calculator - Health Publications

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Hi there this is an introduction to my podcase for General Practice Nurses, please send any suggestions for content you would be interested in.