Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect people from becoming infected with potentially damaging and life-threatening diseases.
Most vaccinations are given in childhood and protect against the following diseases:-
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (Whooping cough)
- Polio
- Hib infections
- Pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia and meningitis and ear infections
- Meningitis C
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella (German measles)
- Cervical cancer caused by the Human Papillomavirus (12 -13 year old girls only)
Influenza (flu) vaccination is given on a yearly basis. Those who are eligible for influenza vaccination include:
- All those aged over 65 years
-
Those aged less than 65 years who:
- Are at ANY stage of pregnancy
- Have chronic respiratory disease e.g. some asthmatics, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (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
Pneumococcal vaccination is given to all children as part of the childhood vaccination programme. Others who should receive pneumococcal vaccination include:-
- All those aged 65 years and over
-
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
All these groups are given one dose of vaccine, while patients with no spleen, a poorly functioning spleen or chronic kidney disease are also given a booster dose every 5 years.
Children's vaccinations - see the "Mum! Dad! be a hero!" campaign section below.
Additional vaccinations may be given to groups of people who are at particular risk of certain diseases. These include hepatitis B and BCG vaccine (to protect against tuberculosis (TB) infection).
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine is temporarily being offered to all pregnant women between 28 and 38 weeks of pregnancy. This is in response to an increase in cases of whooping cough, especially in young babies.
Travel vaccinations are available although most of these will not be provided by the NHS and a charge must be paid to be given the vaccine. If you are planning to travel abroad then this website will be able to offer advice on the 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 given 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 your child has been missed or you have not received an invitation, please contact your GP practice or, if it is for an HPV vaccination, your child's school.
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. If you are pregnant your midwife can also administer flu vaccine at your antenatal appointment.
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. The school nursing service will also contact you with regard to HPV vaccination for your daughter.
For travel vaccines please check the information on this website, and make an appointment to see your practice nurse.
For further information about vaccination please look at the NHS Choices website here
"Mum! Dad! Be a hero and protect your children with
life-saving vaccinations!"
Childhood vaccinations are given at specific times to ensure that the vaccinations provide the greatest possible protection from the above diseases. Details of these times can be found here.
Parents can be real-life superheroes by making sure their family have their life-saving childhood vaccinations. In this section, you can find out when your children need to have their vaccinations. There are also some top tips in a downloadable leaflet sharing how to have a tear-free vaccination and a fun video explaining the importance of childhood vaccinations, which can be a helpful tool to use when explaining to your children why they need the vaccinations. If you have any questions about vaccinations, please speak to your GP or health visitor.
As well as the childhood vaccination programme, influenza (flu) 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.
Click here to view the Parents as Heroes top tips leaflet on childhood vaccinations without tears.
