Adult Immunisations

Shingles Vaccine

The Shingles vaccine protects against Shingles, an infection that causes a painful rash. The Vaccine is recommended for people who are at a higher risk from shingles.

Who can have the Shingles Vaccine?

Eligibility for the Shingles vaccine has changed. We can only vaccinate people who fall into the groups listed below. This criteria has been set out by NHS England, the Nurses and Doctors at Moatfield cannot override this.

If you have a severely weakened immune system, you will be offered the vaccine from age 50.

If you are 70 years old, born between 1st September 1953 - 31st August 1954, you will be offered the shingles vaccine this year. 

If you are 71 or older and have not had the shingles vaccine before, you will be eligible for the vaccine until your 80th Birthday. 

If you are aged 65 years old, born between 1st September 1958 - 31st August 1959, you will be offered the shingles vaccine this year. 

 

If you are unsure of why you are eligible for the shingles vaccination, the NHS have put together guidance for who should have the vaccine. 

Why am I eligible?

If you do not fall into one of these categories or are not sure, NHS England has created a guide to the new vaccination schedule. 

When can I have my Vaccine?

 

Pneumococcal Vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccination protects against serious bacterial infections such as meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. It can also help to protect you against other illnesses such as ear infections and sinusitis.

Who can have the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

Babies
  • First Dose at 12 Weeks
  • Booster at 1 year
People aged 65 and over
  • One dose when you are 65+
Children and Adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill
  • At least one dose (some people may need more)

You can have the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as other vaccinations, such as shingles or flu, so long as you are eligible. 

 

Pertussis (Whopping Cough) Vaccine

Whooping Cough (also known as Pertussis) is a serious infection that causes persistent coughing and choking, making it hard to breathe, It is highly infectious and can lead to pneumonia and brain damage, particularly in young babies. 

Pregnant women can help protect their babies from whooping cough by getting vaccinated while pregnant, the immunity you get from the vaccine will be passed to your baby through the placenta and will give them enough protection until they are old enough to be vaccinated against Whooping Cough at i weks old.

It is advised that the best time to get vaccinated to protect your baby is from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks of pregnancy. This gives the best changce that your baby will be protected from birth so the antibodies can transfer before they are born. It is possible to have the vaccine up until you go into labour, however this is not ideal as your baby is less likely to get the protection. 

pregnancy, image displays a lady holding blue and pink baby shoes on her pregnancy bump

 

Travel Vaccines

You may require vaccinations before you travel, this will depend on where you are travelling to. We have a page dedicated to travel health, including our travel risk assessment form and general advice for travel. 

 

Am I Up To Date?

Most patients can now check their immunisations on their NHS App/Patient Access account. We have linked resources below for information on how to set up Online Services. 

If you do not have access to your immunisation records and would like to, please contact the surgery. 

 

If you feel your health needs require a vaccine we cannot offer, please contact NHS England. 

  • By Post to: NHS England, PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT
  • By Email to: england.contactus@nhs.net stating "For the Attention of the Complaints team" in the subject line
  • By Telephone: 0300 311 22 33 

 

 

Last Updated 20/12/2023