Immunisations (Vaccinations)
Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health. It’s important that you have the vaccinations you need to keep you safe and to minimise the risk of infections. We offer a number of vaccinations at our surgery.
Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or are now very rarely seen.
Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have reduced to a very low number of cases each year since vaccines were introduced. These cases are often related to travel.
However, if people stop having vaccines, it's possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.
Have a look at the NHS website for a complete list of vaccines given from birth to older age. Some vaccines are offered to all, others to only those at risk. If you are in any doubt, follow this link to find out more. Everything you need to know is there.
It is important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, please see the most up-to-date NHS vaccination schedule here.
Child Development
We send out appointments for regular checks and immunisations for pre-school children. This is to make sure that our doctors and health visitors can check that children are developing normally and that there’s nothing to worry about.
Childhood vaccinations
Our nursing team run childhood vaccination clinics every week.
In the UK, parents can decide whether or not to have their children immunised. Vaccination is recommended because it gives your baby protection against serious, life threatening, infectious illnesses.
Around the world, many children are now routinely protected with vaccines. Because of this, some of the world’s most serious diseases may soon disappear.
We will contact you when your child is due a vaccination. In most cases, you will receive a self-booking link which enables you to book an appointment online at your convenience.
Should we not be able to contact you by text message, we will also try calling or sending a letter.
If you believe that your child is due a vaccination and have not received contact from us, please do not hesitate to call our care navigation team on 0117 959 1919.
For further vaccination advice, please visit the NHS website here.
Beware of anti-vaccine stories
Anti-vaccine stories are often spread online through social media and offline.
Always get your vaccine and health information from trusted sources, such as the NHS or World Health Organisation (WHO).
The vaccine information on social media may not be based on scientific evidence and could put your child at risk of a serious illness.
All the current evidence tells us that getting vaccinated is safer than not getting vaccinated.
Flu Vaccinations
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness that’s caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, and can cause a high temperature, aches and pains. A flu vaccination can help limit your risk of getting the flu.
Our surgery offers flu vaccinations to patients. We offer two routine vaccinations – one for patients under 65 years and another vaccine for patients over 65 years.
You can contact the surgery to find out more about flu vaccinations or visit the NHS website.
Travel Vaccinations
The NHS does not fund travel services but offers a comprehensive website, giving the information you need to identify any vaccines advised for trips abroad. This can be found here.
The following vaccinations if required are free of charge on the NHS:
- Diphtheria, tetanus & polio (combined)
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Cholera
These can be administered by a nurse at this surgery. They are not always needed as you may already be covered by a recent vaccination.
Other vaccinations may be necessary for more exotic or unusual destinations. These need to be administered elsewhere and are not available on the NHS.
Check your requirements at least three months before travel as sometimes a course of up to three vaccinations needs to be given over the course of several weeks.
It is your responsibility to determine which vaccinations and, if relevant, anti-malaria tablets you need.
For more information please visit: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
We hope you travel safely and enjoy your holiday!