Vaccinations
Vaccinations (also called 'immunisations') help to protect against serious diseases.
Children
All children registered with the practice are invited, by letter, to have their routine vaccinations. These are to stop potentially deadly infections like whooping cough and meningitis.
For children aged 0-5, the practice provides a well-baby clinic every Tuesday morning where you can bring your child for vaccinations. For older children, please ask the receptionist to book an appointment.
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis vaccination is important for gay men, injecting drug users and healthcare workers. For advice on testing and vaccination for these potentially serious conditions, speak to one of the practice nurses or doctors.
Meningitis
The practice can provide vaccination against meningitis to certain groups of people at high risk. This provides protection against the common forms of the A and C types of the disease. At the moment, the vaccine is available, free, for young children and first-year university students. For children, parents will automatically be sent a letter.
University students can book an appointment with the practice nurse. They need to inform the receptionist what the appointment is for, and must bring their library card. After their first year university students may incur a charge for this vaccination.
Influenza ('flu')
The following people are eligible for annual 'flu' vaccinations, normally in September-December:
- everyone aged 65 years old and over
- people with chronic lung disease (e.g. asthma, COPD)
- people with heart disease (angina, heart attacks)
- people with kidney disease
- people with diabetes
- people on steroid tablets.
Flu is not the same as a bad cold. Flu can be a very serious illness, especially if you are older, or if you certain other medical conditions, like those listed above. A flu jab can stop you getting the flu. The jab does not protect against common colds, even bad ones.
Every year, we write to eligible patients inviting them to have their flu vaccination. If you have not received a letter in September or October, and you think you may be eligible, please speak to a receptionist.
Travel
For further information, see our travel health service.