Vaccinations We Offer at the Practice
This page explains the vaccines we offer, who usually gives them, and simple information to help you make an informed choice. If you need this information in large print, audio, Easy Read, another language or BSL, please tell us.
A doctor or nurse will always check the vaccine is right for you and take your consent before vaccination. Our trained Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) give some adult vaccines under instruction from a clinician.
Flu Vaccine
What it is: A vaccine that protects against flu.
Why it helps: Flu can make people very unwell, especially older adults or people with long-term health conditions.
Who gives it: HCAs for adults. Nurses or GPs for others if needed.
Common reactions: Sore arm, mild temperature, feeling tired for a day or two.
COVID-19 Vaccine
What it is: A vaccine that protects against COVID-19.
Why it helps: COVID can cause serious illness, especially in older people and those with health conditions.
Who gives it: HCAs for adults. Nurses or GPs for others if needed.
Common reactions: Sore arm, headache, tiredness for a short time.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
What it is: A vaccine that protects against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
Why it helps: These infections can cause pneumonia, blood infections, and meningitis.
Who gives it: HCAs for adults.
Common reactions: Sore arm or mild swelling at the injection site.
Shingles Vaccine
What it is: A vaccine that protects against shingles.
Why it helps: Shingles can cause a painful rash and long-term nerve pain.
Who gives it: HCAs for adults who are eligible.
Common reactions: Sore arm, mild fever, or tiredness.
Vitamin B12 Injection
What it is: An injection used to treat low vitamin B12 levels.
Why it helps: Low B12 can cause tiredness, nerve problems, and anaemia.
Who gives it: HCAs (adults only).
Common reactions: Mild discomfort at the injection site.
RSV Vaccine (Older Adults)
What it is: A vaccine that protects against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Why it helps: RSV can cause chest infections, which can be serious in older adults.
Who gives it: Nurses or GPs.
Common reactions: Sore arm, mild temperature.
MMR Vaccine
What it is: A vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Why it helps: These illnesses can lead to serious complications such as hearing loss or infections.
Who gives it: Nurses or GPs.
Common reactions: Mild fever or rash a week or so later.
Childhood Vaccines
What they are: Vaccines given to babies and children to protect against illnesses like diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, meningitis, measles, and more.
Why they help: These diseases can cause severe illness or disability.
Who gives them: Nurses or GPs. HCAs do not give childhood vaccines.
Common reactions: Sore leg or arm, mild temperature, being a little unsettled.
Travel Vaccines
What they are: Vaccines needed for travel to some countries overseas.
Why they help: They protect against infections not common in the UK.
Who gives them: Nurses or GPs after a full travel health risk assessment. HCAs do not give travel vaccines.
Common reactions: Vary depending on the vaccine.
How We Take Consent for Vaccinations
Before any vaccine:
A registered clinician will check your eligibility for the vaccine before the appointment
At your appointment you can ask questions in the way that suits you
You can say yes or no to the vaccination at any stage
We will record your decision in your patient notes
If you need help understanding the information, tell us. We will support you.