Ask the doctor - is the HPV jab safe?

My daughter is 11 and I've been told she's due to get an injection to protect her against cervical cancer next year. We’ve also been told it’s new and has just been introduced – is it safe?

A virus called HPV, or the Human Papilloma Virus, is responsible for all (or almost all) cases of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among young women. There are about 200 different types of HPV, but just two types account for 75% of cases. In 2008, a vaccination to protect women against HPV, and thus against cervical cancer, was introduced here nationally. The vaccine was called Cervarix, and protected against these two types of HPV. However, most other countries with national vaccination programmes were using a vaccine called Gardasil, which protects not only against these two kinds of HPV but also against the two other types, which account for over 90% of genital warts. Since the end of 2011, the UK has changed to Gardasil. I’m delighted as it has a very goodm record of both safety and effectiveness.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping (Feb 12)

My babysitter has been in close contact with someone who has mumps. How long should she stay away from my children?
If your children have been vaccinated against mumps with the MMR vaccine, then there is no cause for concern. If they have not been vaccinated, however, then they are likely to catch mumps eventually – whether now or from someone else. If your babysitter is immune to mumps (because she has previously had the infection or vaccination herself) she is unlikely to develop any symptoms, although it is possible that she may carry the virus for a short period while her immune system eradicates it. Someone with mumps is contagious from about a week before symptoms appear until about nine days after symptoms develop.
Dr Sarah Brewer, Prima (Jan 12)

What are the risks of not having my children vaccinated with an MMR?

Those lucky enough to enjoy access to free immunisation forget how potentially serious measles can be. One in 15 children with measles develops complications, such as middle-ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, fits or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Most measles-related deaths involve unvaccinated children under the age of five. Tragically, half of these deaths occur in previously healthy, but non-immunised children. I had no hesitation in having my own three children vaccinated. Do talk to your doctor or practice nurse about your concerns as ultimately, you have to decide for yourself.
Dr Sarah Brewer, Prima (Oct 11)

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