Vaccines

Pneumococcal Vaccine (Over 2 years old)

The bacterium which causes pneumococcal infections is called Streptococcus pneumoniae. In some cases this can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and a kind of blood poisoning known as septicaemia.

The pneumococcal vaccine, also known as the pneumonia vaccine or ‘pneumo jab’, protects against pneumococcal infections.

Pneumovax

BCG Vaccine

The BCG Vaccine protects individuals against TB. The vaccine isn’t as effective in adults however – so it is rarely given to anyone over the age of 16, and is never given to a patient over the age of 35.

Some adults, such as healthcare workers, are deemed as being at higher risk of contracting the disease due to their work. This means some adults aged between 16 and 35 may be offered the vaccine.

A blood test will be required for any individual over 6 years of age before the BCG vaccine can be administered. Patients will then be contacted a week later with the results. The results will determine whether the BCG Vaccine is needed.

Chicken Pox Vaccine

Chickenpox is usually a mild infection, often picked up in childhood. It is rare for children to experience complications as a result of chickenpox, and most develop immunity after their first case.

The disease can be more severe in adults and can be a bigger risk to certain other groups of people including:

• Individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy
• People who have weakened immune systems as a result of other illnesses such as HIV.

Chickenpox can also be very serious for pregnant women and their unborn babies. This can lead to birth defects as well as serious disease in the baby at the time of birth. Read more about what to do if you catch or are exposed to chickenpox in pregnancy.

A patient may experience a mild form of chickenpox within 6 weeks of the vaccine.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio & Pertussis

Diphtheria is a bacterial disease which can be fatal if left untreated. It is generally spread by exhaled water droplets and occasionally through infected skin lesions. Travellers who are visiting developing countries and mixing closely with the local population are particularly at risk. Such travellers should therefore be sure they have had a Diphtheria vaccine within the last 10 years.

Anyone planning to travel should ensure they have had a Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years.

If contracted, Tetanus can lead to uncontrollable muscle spasms and can be fatal. The bacteria which causes tetanus can be found in soil all over the world, and is contracted when that bacteria gets into a small cut or wound.

Although now widely eradicated, Polio still exists in some African and Asian countries – and cases do still emerge worldwide.

The disease attacks the central nervous system and is usually spread through contaminated water and food.

For more information on Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and vaccines required for specific countries please visit http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

HPV Vaccine (Cervical Cancer 9 years – 14 years)

Various types of HPV can be classed as either high or low risk depending on the conditions they can cause. Whilst some types of HPV can cause verrucas or warts, others can be linked to cervical cancer.

99% of the time, cervical cancer occurs as a result of a history of high-risk HPV infection types. Infection with the HPV often causes no symptoms.

Influenza Vaccine

Spread by coughs and sneezes, the flu virus can cause tiredness and weakness which can last for several weeks – so it is recommended to stay resting in bed until you feel better.

You may not be eligible for an NHS flu vaccine if you are otherwise fit and healthy, however you may choose to opt for private vaccination if you feel you cannot afford the time to recover, or wish to avoid your chances of catching it.

Meningitis B (Infant 2 – 5 Months)

The Meningitis B vaccine will protect your baby against infection.

Meningococcal group B bacteria are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children. Whilst it usually affects babies and young children, it can also affect people in any age group.

Meningitis B (Infant 6 months – 11 months)

The Meningitis B vaccine will protect your baby against infection.

Meningococcal group B bacteria are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children. Whilst it usually affects babies and young children, it can also affect people in any age group.

Meningitis B (Infant 12 months – 23 months)

The Meningitis B vaccine will protect your baby against infection.

Meningococcal group B bacteria are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children. Whilst it usually affects babies and young children, it can also affect people in any age group.

Meningitis B (Child 2 – 10 years old)

The Meningitis B vaccine will protect your baby against infection.

Meningococcal group B bacteria are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children. Whilst it usually affects babies and young children, it can also affect people in any age group.

Meningitis B (Over 11 years +)

The Meningitis B vaccine will protect your baby against infection.

Meningococcal group B bacteria are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children. Whilst it usually affects babies and young children, it can also affect people in any age group.

Shingles (over 55 years)

The vaccine is also very effective in those who have previously had shingles who wish to boost their immunity, making them less prone to further infection.

It is a live vaccine containing a mild form of chickenpox virus and is considered to be very safe with very few side effects. A chickenpox like illness can be experienced following the vaccination but this is very rare – occurring in fewer than 1 in 10,000 people.