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Surveillance
Overview Since the early 1990s, Oxford-RCGP RSC network practices have volunteered to take part in yearly influenza virology surveillance, in collaboration with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). With the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic this work has since broadened to encompass other respiratory viruses, such as influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Participating practices assist the network by collecting nasopharyngeal samples from patients clinically suspected of having a respiratory virus. Results are then linked to pseudonymised clinical data. Its primary role is to confirm these cases, but also to look at the impact of other diseases, to characterise more vulnerable populations, and to support in the evaluation of vaccine effectiveness. Most interest is currently on how age, gender, ethnicity, household size, and population density link to rates of infection. A serological surveillance arm has also been rolled-out, which contributes important and timely data on background population immunity to respiratory illnesses, and vaccine effectiveness. Include link to seasonal letter Aims To monitor the spread of respiratory viruses (including influenza, COVID-19, RSV) and measure the effectiveness of COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations through the winter season. Promoting at Practice We warmly invite practices to promote surveillance activities to patients at the practice level. If you would like to participate please contact: practiceenquiries@phc.ox.ac.uk