Vaccinations

We are able to offer the full range of NHS vaccinations at the practice including all routine childhood immunisations as per the national schedule, seasonal vaccinations such as Influenza, COVID and the new RSV vaccination, other preventative vaccinations including pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations and also some travel vaccinations. Please see the NHS Vaccinations website for more information about vaccines in general and the specific schedules and criteria for each Vaccinations – NHS (www.nhs.uk) The practice will contact you when you are eligible for any of these vaccinations (with the exception of travel vaccinations) and organise an appointment with you.You can also check which vaccinations you have previously had by accessing your health record on the NHS app.

Non-Childhood Vaccinations:

Influenza (flu) Vaccination:

  • Influenza is a virus that primarily affects the respiratory system and is significantly more common over the winter months. It causes an infection (‘Flu’) that will often get better on its own but it can make some people seriously ill.
  • The vaccine is therefore recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
  • Please see the NHS website for more detailed information about who is eligible for the vaccination, when the programme starts each year and the vaccine itself. Flu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • The practice will be running clinics annually and will contact all eligible patients to offer them an appointment. Depending on the current vaccination requirements and clinical appropriateness, we may offer more than one vaccination in each appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccination:

  • COVID-19 is a type of Coronavirus that also cause respiratory illness. It too is usually mild to moderate and people recover without the need for any specific treatment. However, some people can become seriously ill and hence the ongoing vaccination programme
  • Please see the NHS website for more detailed information about who is eligible for the vaccination, when the programme(s) starts each year and the vaccine itself. COVID-19 vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • The practice typically run clinics in conjunction with the annual flu clinic, and at other times of year (e.g. Spring Booster programme) although this may change moving forwards depending on national recommendations. Once again, the practice will contact all eligible patients to offer them an appointment when vaccine programmes are ongoing.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccination:

  • This is a new addition to the vaccination schedule in 2024
  • RSV is another common winter virus that causes respiratory illness. Much like those above, it too is usually mild and self-limiting, but more serious for some people
  • Children under 6 months old can be affected by this virus and so the vaccination is recommended for all women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant – please contact the practice if you fall into this category
  • At present it is advised against giving this at the same time as the Influenza vaccine so if eligible, you will be offered a separate appointment.
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Whooping cough (Pertussis) Vaccination:

  • This vaccination is advised during pregnancy – Whooping Cough cases have increased in recent times and very young babies who have not yet started their vaccinations are amongst the highest risk. As such, pregnant women can help protect their babies by undertaking vaccination during pregnancy.
  • This is usually given around 20 weeks into pregnancy and ideally before 32 weeks
  • See the NHS website for more details: Whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Shingles (Varicella Zoster) Vaccination:

  • Shingles is a common condition that causes a painful rash and can sometimes lead to long lasting problems including pain, hearing loss or blindness. The risks from shingles increase with age.
  • Vaccination is advised for certain age groups and others with weakened immune systems at higher risk. Shingles vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • The practice will contact you to arrange this as you become eligible, but if you think you have missed out on this, please check you vaccination record and / or contact us

Pneumococcal Vaccination:

  • This vaccination helps to protect against some types of bacterial infections that can cause serious illness like meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia.
  • It is given as part of the routine immunisation schedule for babies, but also offered as a one off dose in adulthood from the age of 65.
  • The practice will contact you to arrange this as you become eligible, but if you think you have missed out on this, please check you vaccination record and / or contact us