Vaccinations and Immunisations

Hepatitis B vaccine is given to help to protect you from hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is an infectious illness of the liver caused by a virus. This is spread by the virus entering the body following contact with blood and bodily fluids from an infected person. Hepatitis B vaccine is not a “live” vaccine and cannot give you Hepatitis B but it should trigger your immune system to produce antibodies to protect you.

Who is at risk?
- Healthcare staff (doctors, nurses, midwives)
- Dentists and physiotherapists
- Patient-facing staff - Porters and domestic staff
- Technicians handling equipment
- Estates staff managing clinical waste
- Any other healthcare or clinical staff deemed at risk of exposure
- Teachers

Vaccination schedule
- 3 doses (0, 1 month, 2 months)
- Blood test 2 months after course to confirm immunity

Important
A clinical assessment will be carried out to ensure the vaccine is suitable.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is typically spread through the faecal-oral route, often due to contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene conditions. Although uncommon in the UK, certain job roles may carry a higher risk of exposure. 

Who may be at risk?

Vaccination is recommended for individuals whose work may involve increased exposure, including:

- Workers in sewage or waste management

- Staff working in environments with poor sanitation

- Animal handlers

- Individuals travelling to countries where Hepatitis A is more common

What does this involve?

We offer Hepatitis A vaccination for occupational and travel-related purposes, based on risk assessment.

The vaccination schedule includes:

**First dose** - provides short-term protection (lasting approximately 6 months)

**Second dose** - given 6 to 12 months later for long-term protection (up to 25 years)

Signs and symptoms

- Fever (high temperature)

- Tiredness and general fatigue

- Loss of appetite

- Nausea and stomach pain

- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Symptoms are usually more severe in adults, while children may experience mild or no symptoms.

Travel advice

Vaccination is strongly recommended before travelling to areas where Hepatitis A is more prevalent.

MMR protects against three serious viral infections.  . 

Why be immunised?

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications.

Rubella infection during the first trimester of pregnancy causes congenital rubella syndrome in the infant. 

Mumps outbreaks continue to occur and can cause significant complications in adults.

Who should be immunised?

Individuals working in health care need to ensure that all members of staff (doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners, other healthcare professionals, support staff who have regular patient contact and or work in clinical areas have been screened and are fully protected against measles.

Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Chicken Pox Vaccine

The majority of the UK population will have had chickenpox or acquired immunity to the infection.  The vaccine contains the chicken pox virus that has been weakened so that your immune system will make antibodies and protect you from chicken pox. The virus is too weak to cause chicken pox in a healthy person. However, you should avoid close contact with susceptible high-risk individuals after vaccination, these include those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women who have not had chicken pox and newborn babies to mothers who have never had chicken pox.

What does this involve?

Varicella vaccine can be given concurrently.

-Blood test to test for chickenpox (VZV) immunity is required.

This vaccination may not be suitable if:

- Allergic to any of the components of the vaccine.
- Not suitable during Pregnancy
- Other medical conditions ( Immunosuppressed, HIV positive, Active tuberculosis, etc)
or - Had a Mantoux test within the last four weeks or are due one within the next four weeks

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. Symptoms can include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats. While TB is treatable, it can become serious if not identified early. Vaccination (BCG) may be recommended for individuals at increased risk.

What is a Mantoux Test?

Tuberculosis skin test (or Mantoux skin test) is a test needed prior to the BCG Vaccination to determine whether it is safe and appropriate to proceed. It is typically offered to individuals who:

- Have not previously received the BCG vaccine

- Have no recorded evidence of vaccination or visible BCG scar 

- Require screening for occupational or travel purposes 

Healthcare workers or people planning to study or work abroad are normally required by their employers or institutions to provide a Mantoux test to show they do not have TB.

What does this involve?

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated hands or surfaces. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. In some cases, flu can lead to serious complications, hospitalisation, and severe illness, particularly in vulnerable or high-risk individuals.

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to help protect against influenza and reduce the spread of infection. Because flu viruses change each year and immunity reduces over time, an updated vaccine is recommended annually during the autumn and winter months.

Vaccination is particularly important for healthcare workers, carers, and individuals at increased risk of complications. By reducing the risk of infection, vaccination also helps protect colleagues, patients, and the wider community.

The Vaccine

The flu vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm and is generally very well tolerated. Common side effects are usually mild and may include soreness at the injection site, headache, or mild fatigue, typically resolving within 1–2 days.

Most people can safely receive the flu vaccine. However, it is important to inform the clinician if you:

• Have any allergies
• Are feeling unwell on the day of vaccination
• Have previously experienced a serious reaction to a vaccine

The injected flu vaccines used in the UK do not contain live flu viruses so they cannot give you flu. There's still a chance you might get flu after getting vaccinated, but it's likely to be milder an not last as long. The vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work.