Vaccines - Print version

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Vaccines are the safest way to protect you and your family from serious infections – they help you stay healthy. Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus are rarely seen. However, if people stop having vaccines, infectious diseases may quickly spread again. 

All vaccines are thoroughly tested to make sure they will not harm you or your child. 

In England, most vaccinations are offered free on the NHS. To protect children as early as possible many vaccines are offered to babies and toddlers before they start school.  

Vaccinations are usually given by practice nurses at your GP practice. Practice nurses are specially trained to give advice and offer vaccines. Older children are offered some vaccinations in school [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/supporting-immunisation-programmes#vaccines-offered-in-schools] For more information about the local Coventry service in schools please visit the CWPT School Aged Immunisation and Vaccination Service website [https://www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/service-detail/health-service/immunisation-and-vaccination-service-school-age-120/]  

What vaccinations are recommended?  

The NHS has produced a guide to help you understand the vaccines offered in the UK and when to have them. It also explains how they work and why they're safe and important. Read the NHS vaccination guidance [http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/].

If you are unsure if you or your child has had all the recommended vaccinations in England – check with your GP practice. It is never too late to catch-up on the vaccinations recommended. We have produced information leaflets that outline the current vaccine schedule, and these are available in a number of commonly spoken languages including Arabic, Bengali, Kurdish, Polish and Tigrinya.  The resources can be downloaded. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/6220/immunisations_resources]  

Speak to your practice nurse, GP or your Health Visitor if you're worried about you or your child having a vaccine.  You can text your Health Visitor on CHAT Health: 07507 329114 or via Facebook. 

The issue of pork ingredients in some vaccines is a concern for some people and communities.  Read about how and why pork gelatine is used in vaccines [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccines-and-porcine-gelatine]. This leaflet is available in English, Urdu, Bengali and Arabic.  You can also download local resources produced by the Muslim community in Coventry here [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/6220/immunisations_resources] 

The only vaccines containing gelatine in the UK routine vaccination schedule are: 

  • the shingles vaccine 
  • the children's nasal flu vaccine 
  • 1 of the 2 types of MMR vaccine 

Alternative vaccines are available, and you may wish to talk to your doctor or practice nurse about how to access these. 

Resources

Downloadable resources about immunisation [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/6220/immunisations_resources] including social media messages in other languages and a COVID-19 poster.

Listen to a Coventry Health Visitor talking about the importance of vaccinations

6-in-1 vaccine

The 6-in-1 vaccine is 1 of the first vaccines your baby will have and is given when they are  8, 12 and 16 weeks old at your GP surgery.

It's given as a single injection in the thigh to protect your baby against 6 serious childhood conditions:

  • diphtheria
  • hepatitis B
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • polio
  • tetanus
  • whooping cough (pertussis)

Your baby needs 3 doses to make sure they develop strong immunity to the conditions. Every time another dose of the vaccine is given, your baby's immunity increases.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/6-in-1-infant-vaccine/].

Rotavirus vaccine

Rotavirus is a highly infectious stomach bug that typically affects babies and young children, causing diarrhoea, vomiting, tummy ache and a high temperature.
Most children recover at home within a week. Occasionally, treatment in hospital is needed for complications such as severe dehydration. Having the vaccine helps your baby to build up immunity, so that the next time they come into contact with rotavirus, they will not get the infection.

The vaccine is given two times, 4 weeks apart at your GP surgery. The vaccine is given as a liquid straight into the baby's mouth for them to swallow.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/rotavirus-vaccine/].

Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine

The MenB vaccine protects your baby against serious infections that may cause meningitis and sepsis. These infections can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, sometimes, death.

The MenB vaccine is offered at your GP surgery and given as a single injection into your baby's thigh at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/meningitis-b-vaccine/].

Pneumococcal (PPV) vaccine

Pneumococcal infections are caused by bacteria and can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning (sepsis) and meningitis. At their worst, they can cause permanent brain damage, and sometimes death.

The pneumococcal vaccine also known as the pneumonia vaccine, protects against serious and potentially fatal infections.

The vaccine is offered at your GP surgery in the arm or thigh.

Anyone can get a pneumococcal infection but some people are at higher risk of serious illness and are recommended to have the vaccination at their GP surgery.

These risk groups include:

  • babies – two vaccines one at 12 weeks old and one at a year old
  • adults aged 65 or over – one vaccination
  • children and adults with certain long-term health conditions have one vaccination
  • had your spleen removed, your spleen does not work properly, or you're at risk of your spleen not working properly in future (for example, if you have coeliac disease)
  • a long-term respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • heart disease, such as congenital heart disease
  • chronic kidney disease
  • chronic liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis
  • diabetes
  • a suppressed immune system caused by a health condition, such as HIV
  • a suppressed immune system caused by medicines, such as chemotherapy or steroid tablets
  • a cochlear implant (a hearing device) – Action on Hearing Loss has more information about cochlear implants
  • had a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spine) – this could be the result of an accident or surgery

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pneumococcal-vaccination/].

Hib/Meningitis C vaccine overview

The Hib/MenC vaccine is given to 1-year-old babies to boost their protection against serious and potentially fatal infections that can cause meningitis and sepsis.

If your child comes into contact with these germs, the antibodies their body produces after vaccination will fight the infection. Rates of Hib and MenC infection in the UK are now at their lowest ever levels because of the vaccination.

The vaccine is offered at your GP surgery and given as a single injection in the arm or thigh.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hib-men-c-booster-vaccine/].

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective in protecting your child against 3 serious illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella (german measles).
These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between people who are not yet vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is important, as it can lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
The MMR vaccine is offered at your GP surgery and given in two doses at 1 year and then 3 year 4 months. It is given as a single injection in the arm or thigh.

It's important to check you've had both doses if you:

  • are about to start college or university
  • are going to travel abroad
  • are planning a pregnancy
  • are a frontline health or social care worker
  • were born between 1970 and 1979, as you may have only been vaccinated against measles
  • were born between 1980 and 1990, as you may not be protected against mumps

Many studies have shown that the MMR vaccine does not cause Autism.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website. [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/]

In collaboration with local community groups, Coventry City Council's Public Health team have created a Measles leaflet [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/41595/coventry-measles-leaflet].

Flu vaccine

Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It's offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.  

Why flu vaccination is important? 

Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is mild but unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for others, particularly those with certain health conditions. 

The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. Getting the flu jab is one of the best preventative things you can do.   

Am I eligible for a flu vaccination? 

How do I book? 

You can book a flu vaccine online if you’re registered with a GP surgery. 

To book online go to  www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/book-flu-vaccination/ [http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/book-flu-vaccination/]  

You can also find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacy-nhs-flu-vaccine-service/].  You will need to enter in a postcode to get a list of the pharmacies booking appointments in your area of Coventry. 

Local information about flu vaccination [http://www.happyhealthylives.uk/staying-happy-and-healthy/covid-19-flu-vaccination/  ].

4-in-1 pre-school booster (diptheria, whooping cough, tetanus, and polio)

The 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine boosts children’s protection against fur serious illnesses: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping cough and Polio.

The booster not only protects your child against these infections but also stops them from passing the germs on to babies who are too young to be vaccinated against these infections.

The vaccine is offered at your GP surgery and is given as a single injection into the arm or thigh.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/4-in-1-pre-school-dtap-ipv-booster/].

HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine

The HPV vaccine helps protect against cancers caused by a group of viruses known as HPV.

The vaccine protects against:

  • cervical cancer
  • some mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers
  • some cancers of the anal and genital areas
  • genital warts.

Most people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives and their bodies will get rid of it naturally without treatment, but some people will not be able to clear it. Over time, this can cause abnormal tissue growth as well as other changes, which can lead to cancer if not treated.

The HPV vaccine is offered at school and is given as 2 injections into the arm, 6 months apart. It is important to have both doses of the vaccine to be properly protected. Girls and boys aged 12 to 13 years are routinely offered the first dose in Year 8.

If you’re eligible and miss the HPV vaccine offered in Year 8 at school, it’s available for free on the NHS up until your 25th birthday for:

  • girls born after 1 September 1991
  • boys born after 1 September 2006

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine/].

3-in-1 teenage booster (tetanus, diptheria and polio)

The teenage booster, also known as the 3-in-1 or the Td/IPV vaccine, is given to boost protection against 3 diseases: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio.

The 3-in-1 booster is offered at school in year 9 and given as a single injection into the arm.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/3-in-1-teenage-booster/].

Meningococcal A, C, W and Y (MenACWY)

Meningococcal disease is a rare life-threatening condition and can cause meningitis and blood poisoning. This can trigger sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection and requires urgent hospital treatment. It can lead to life-changing disabilities, such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage.

The MenACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing these conditions.  Children aged 13 to 15 are routinely offered the vaccine at school during year 9 or 10. The vaccine is given as a single injection in the arm.

Those who have not had the vaccine under the age of 25 and are no longer in school or are first time university students can contact their GP surgery to have the MEnACWY vaccine.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine/].

Whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a serious infection that causes long bouts of coughing and choking, making it hard to breathe. Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and most will be admitted to hospital because of their illness. When whooping cough is particularly severe, they can die.

Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated – ideally from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks pregnant. If for any reason you miss having the vaccine, you can still have it up until you go into labour.

Whooping cough vaccine is offered at your GP surgery and antenatal clinic and is given as a single injection into the arm.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/whooping-cough-vaccination/].

Shingles

The shingles vaccine helps prevent shingles; a common, painful skin rash caused by the chickenpox virus.  For some people the pain can last for a long time after the initial rash has healed. Shingles can also be fatal for around 1 in 1,000 over-70s who develop it. The shingles vaccine will reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you do go on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.

The vaccine is offered at your GP surgery is given as a single injection in the arm. Most people will only need 1 dose, but some people who cannot have the routine vaccine for health reasons will need two doses.

Article provided by NHS

See original information on the NHS website [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/shingles-vaccination/].

COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective. If you are at increased risk from severe COVID-19, getting a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others. Seasonal vaccines are offered because protection fades over time. Research has shown the vaccine helps:

  • reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
  • reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19
  • protect against different strains (variants) of COVID-19

Am I eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine?

Find out if you are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-covid-19-vaccine/]

How do I book?

You can book a COVID-19 vaccine online if you’re registered with a GP surgery.

To book online go to https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/ [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/]

You can also book over the phone. You can call 119 free of charge to book if you cannot book online. You can speak to a translator if you need to.

You can find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/find-a-walk-in-covid-19-vaccination-site/] to get a vaccine without an appointment.

You do not need to be registered with a GP.

Local information about COVID-19 vaccination can also be found at www.happyhealthylives.uk/staying-happy-and-healthy/covid-19-flu-vaccination/ [http://www.happyhealthylives.uk/staying-happy-and-healthy/covid-19-flu-vaccination/]

Further information

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