Health Advisors Support Transition To Vaping For Smokers

Draft guidance by the Government’s official health advisory body, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), recommends that healthcare workers should be supported in helping smokers transition to vaping. The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVA) welcomes the move in a statement on their website.

The draft guidelines, which were drawn up by NICE in consultation with Public Health England, recommend that healthcare staff should give clear and up to date information about e-cigarettes to people who are interested in using them as a method to stop smoking.

The expert committee state that there is evidence to show that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can help people to stop smoking, and that they are equally as effective as other cessation options. The experts agree that e-cigarettes should be included in the methods available to smokers wishing to quit.

Further recommendations state that people should be advised clearly where they can find information about e-cigarettes. People wishing to quit smoking should also be advised on the correct use of vaping devices, and of the fact that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking.

John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA, said: “It’s great to see that the NHS is embracing the huge public health potential of vaping.  Pro-vaping actions such as NICE’s draft guideline recommendations and the NHS trials are key to ensuring the Government meets its target for a smokefree Britain.

“A one size all approach is not the way to maximise quit rates amongst smokers from taking up vaping. It depends on their level of smoking which in turn determines the flavours, nicotine levels and devices that they should be using,” Dunne added.

The UKVA is planning a new campaign to support frontline workers in the effort to help smokers transition to vaping, and to help healthcare staff keep informed about the most up to date information about vaping materials, devices, and techniques.For a vape shop in Manchester, please get in touch today