Why vaccines are safe
All vaccines are thoroughly tested to make sure they will not harm you.
It often takes many years for a vaccine to make it through the trials and tests it needs to pass for approval.
Once a vaccine is being used in the UK it’s also monitored for any rare side effects by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Anyone can report a suspected side effect of vaccination to the MHRA through the Yellow Card Scheme.
Flu immunisation
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
You do not have to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.
Learn more about the flu vaccine herePneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine (or ‘pneumo jab’ or pneumonia vaccine as it’s also known) protects against pneumococcal infections.
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis.
Learn more about the vaccine hereHow often is the pneumococcal vaccine given?
Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as three separate injections, at 2 months, 4 months and 12-13 months.
People over-65 only need a single pneumococcal vaccination which will protect for life. It is not given annually like the flu jab.
People with a long-term health condition may need just a single one-off pneumococcal vaccination or five-yearly vaccination depending on their underlying health problem.
Childhood vaccinations
One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It’s the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.
Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.
Please contact the surgery to make an appointment.
Click here for more information on the immunisation scheduleParents or carers wanting more information on the BCG vaccination can call 0208 214 1380 or email vul.london.bcg@nhs.net
Other Vaccinations
Adults over 50
We offer vaccinations against the flu to adults 50 years and over
We offer vaccinations against pneumococcal infection (which can cause pneumonia, blood poisoning and meninigitis) to adults 65 years and over
We offer vaccinations against shingles to adults 70 years and over
At risk people, people with underlying health conditions
We offer a range of vaccinations for people at risk and will invite you
COVID-19 vaccination
When available we offer Covid –19 vaccination at the surgery. Please telephone or come into the surgery to check availability
Useful information about vaccinations:
Vaccine safety and myths busting
Oxford vaccine project (translations available) – a source of independent, evidence-based information about vaccines and infectious diseases
Immunisation information for migrants (translations available)