Vaccinations

Why is vaccination important?

Vaccination is one of the most important things that we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones against ill health. They prevent up to 3 million deaths worldwide every year.

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 seen very rarely.

Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have been reduced by up to 99.9% since their vaccines were introduced.  However, if people stop having vaccines, it is possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.

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 here

Pneumococcal 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 here

Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine?

A pneumococcal infection can affect anyone. However, some people need the pneumococcal vaccination because they are at higher risk of complications. These include:

all children under the age of two
adults aged 65 or over
children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition

We will contact you directly if you are eligible for the vaccination.

How 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 schedule

Parents or carers wanting more information on the BCG vaccination can call 0208 214 1380 or email vul.london.bcg@nhs.net

Other Vaccinations

Pregnant women

We offer vaccination against the whooping cough from 16 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns form a potentially lethal disease https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/whooping-cough-vaccination/

We offer the flu jab during the flu season