Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect people from potentially damaging and life-threatening infectious diseases.
Most vaccinations are given in childhood and protect against the following diseases:-
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Polio
- Hib infections
- Pneumococcal infections
- Meningitis C
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Cervical cancer caused by the Human Papillomavirus
Childhood vaccinations are given at specific intervals to ensure that the vaccinations given provide the greatest possible protection from the above diseases. The timings of childhood vaccinations can be found here.
As well as the childhood vaccination campaign, influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are also offered to certain groups of people to prevent infection with the influenza virus and pneumococcus bacteria, as these groups are most at risk of severe disease and potential death.
Influenza vaccination is given on a yearly basis. Those who are eligible for influenza vaccination include:
- All those aged over 65 years
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Those aged less than 65 years who:
- Are at ANY stage of pregnancy
- Have chronic respiratory disease e.g. some asthmatics, COPD
- Have chronic heart disease e.g. chronic heart failure
- Have chronic kidney disease e.g. chronic kidney failure
- Have chronic liver disease e.g. cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis
- Have chronic neurological disease e.g. stroke, cerebral palsy
- Have diabetes
- Are immunosuppressed e.g. splenectomy, HIV, on high steroid doses
Children under the age of one year are given 3 doses of pneumococcal vaccine, with a boosting dose at 12-13 months. All other age groups are given one dose of vaccine, with patients with no spleen, a poorly functioning spleen or chronic kidney disease given a boosting dose every 5 years. Those eligible for pneumococcal vaccination include:-
- Children as per the childhood immunisation programme
- All those aged 65 years and over
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Those aged less than 65 years who:
- Have chronic respiratory disease e.g. some asthmatics, COPD
- Have chronic heart disease e.g. chronic heart failure
- Have chronic kidney disease e.g. chronic kidney failure
- Have chronic liver disease e.g. cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis
- Do not have a spleen or whose spleen is functioning correctly
- Have diabetes that is not controlled by diet alone
- Are immunosuppressed e.g. splenectomy, HIV, on high steroid doses
- Have a cochlear implant
As well as the vaccinations above certain groups who are at high risk of exposure to these infections may also be given Hepatitis B vaccine and BCG (to protect against tuberculosis (TB) infection).
Travel vaccinations are also available although most of these will not be available on the NHS and a charge must be paid for the vaccine and its administration. If you are planning to travel abroad then the website below will be able to offer advice on the specific vaccines required for your destination.
Please plan these well in advance of your travel date.
The childhood immunisation programme is a national programme which is offered to all children. In Portsmouth City all childhood vaccinations are offered by GPs with the exception of the HPV vaccination for 12-13 year old girls, which is provided at your child’s school by the School Nursing service. All children should be invited to attend for vaccination, but if you feel that this is not the case please contact your GP practice.
The flu and pneumococcal vaccinations are also provided by GPs, and if you have any queries regarding your eligibility for these vaccinations then please contact your GP.
Most vaccinations will be accessed through your GP practice, and in most cases your GP practice or the child health department will contact you to remind you to attend for your or your child’s vaccinations.
For travel vaccines please check the information on the website above, and make an appointment to see your practice nurse.
For further information about vaccination please look at the NHS Choices website here
