Immunisations

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTaP)
  Haemophilus Influenza B (Hib) and polio vaccines are combined into one injection - the DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine.
• Meningococcus group C vaccine is a separate injection which is given at the same time as the combined DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine.
• Polio immunisation is now combined with DtaP and Hib injections.
• Low dose Diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are combined as one injection.
• Measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are combined into a single injection - the MMR vaccine.
• BCG is given following tuberculin testing.
• BCG is sometimes given to new-born babies at high risk of TB.
  BCG (which protects against tuberculosis - TB) – is no longer funded by the NHS for children aged 10 – 14 unless there is a clinical need.  It may be obtained in private clinics.
• Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine. This has been licensec for use in the UK but is not yet approved by the NHS Joint Committee on Vaccines.  It may be obtained in private clinics.

If you are travelling abroad it is recommended that you are protected against the local infections if immunisations are available. Ideally, see your practice nurse or GP for advice on travel at least two months prior to your departure. Doctors and nurses are regularly updated with immunisation requirements for every country in the world.

Influenza immunisation (the 'flu jab')
The aim is to protect people who are more likely to develop complications from flu. You should be immunised each autumn if you:

• Have a lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, etc.
• Have heart disease, a serious kidney disease, or diabetes.
• Have a poor immune system. (For example, if you have no spleen, are taking chemotherapy or steroid treatment, if you have HIV/AIDS, etc.)
• Are aged 65 or over.
• Live in a nursing home or other long stay residential care accommodation.

Also, staff involved in direct patient care may be offered influenza immunisation from their employer.

Pneumococcus immunisation
The pneumococcus is a bacterium which can cause pneumonia and meningitis. You should be immunised against the pneumococcus if you have an increased risk of being infected with this bacterium. That is if:

• You are aged 65 or over.
• You do not have a spleen, or if your spleen does not work properly.
• Your immune system is not working properly. For example, if you have chemotherapy, certain types of radiotherapy, HIV or another immune deficiency condition.
• You have chronic (persistent) lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• You have chronic heart disease. 
• You have chronic kidney disease. 
• You have nephrotic syndrome. 
• You have chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis. 
• You have diabetes. 
• You have a cochlear implant.

Hepatitis B immunisation
Is advised for people who are at increased risk of contracting Hepatitis B. For example:

• If your job puts you at risk of contracting hepatitis B. For example, health-care personnel and staff at day care or residential centres.
• You inject street drugs.
• You change sexual partners frequently.
• You live in close contact with someone infected with hepatitis B.
• You regularly receive blood transfusions.

Other situations
In some special circumstances other immunisations are considered. For example, workers who handle animals may be offered rabies immunisation. Those in close contact with people who have certain forms of meningitis may be offered specific immunisations.

Discuss with your doctor or practice nurse if you think you fall into one of these groups.

More information can be obtained @ http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk