Ask the doctor - vaccinations

Arranging travel vaccinations

Last week I went to see my GP to get some jabs because I’m off to Kenya in three months’ time. When I got there I was told they no longer do travel vaccinations, and I’d have to go to a private travel clinic. This sounds expensive – is it really necessary?

Yes, it really is. Far too many people travel without the right vaccine cover, and suffer the consequences. But since 1 April 2004, all GP practices have had the right to opt out of providing travel vaccinations. The good news is that you can still get them on the NHS. Some of the most widely needed vaccines, like typhoid and hepatitis A, should still be available free of charge. Contact your Primary Care Organisation (the address is in the phone book); they should be able to tell you where to go.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping
 

Vaccinations for adults

My husband and I always take our holidays out of season, and I like to keep my vaccinations up to date. We’re also keen gardeners, and are aware of the risk of tetanus. There’s recently been so much in the press about childhood vaccinations changing, but have those for adults been affected?

Yes, a few of them have changed. The tetanus booster, and the combined tetanus and diphtheria injections, for instance, have both been replaced with a combined tetanus, polio and diphtheria version. The new vaccines are very effective and should have no more side effects than the ones you're used to. But if you're in any doubt, talk to your practice nurse first.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping
 

Injections against pneumonia

I’ve just received a letter inviting me to have an injection against pneumonia. I’ve never been offered one before and wonder if it’s necessary.

Yes, absolutely. This injection is to protect you against pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis and infection of the whole bloodstream. It's reckoned that it kills and hospitalises almost 20,000 people a year in the UK, with older people and those suffering chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart, lung, liver and kidney disease particularly at risk. The Department of Health recommends that all people in these groups should be vaccinated. The pneumovax injection offers very good protection against pneumococcal disease - and, best of all, once you've had one injection, you'll be protected for life. 
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping

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The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. If you're worried, see your GP. For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk