When it comes to family, their health and well-being are of the utmost importance. Vaccines serve as a line of defence in a world where numerous viruses and illnesses exist, safeguarding us from potential threats. From routine childhood immunisations to travel vaccinations, they play a vital role in preventing infection and the spread of disease. Today we discuss both childhood vaccinations and travel vaccinations.
Childhood Vaccinations
The foundation of a healthy life begins in childhood. Childhood vaccinations protect against various severe and potentially deadly diseases. The NHS Childhood Immunisation Schedule prescribes vaccines starting from eight weeks old, protecting against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), rotavirus, and meningitis B, amongst others.
These vaccines are crucial in early childhood when the immune system is still developing.
UK data shows a high acceptance rate for these immunisations, with over 90% of children receiving vaccinations by age two. These high immunisation rates have led to a significant decrease in reported cases. Vaccinations are essential for an individual’s health and contribute to herd immunity.
The Back-to-School Checklist: Safeguarding the Health of our Children.
As September approaches, parents are gearing up for the start of the new school year. Amidst the school supplies and new uniforms, it’s crucial to remember back-to-school vaccinations.
For children entering primary school in the UK, the preschool booster at around three years and four months protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. The MMR vaccine, protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella, is also given at this stage if it wasn’t completed earlier.
The start of secondary school introduces a few more vaccines, including the HPV vaccine for girls and boys to protect against various cancers and a three-in-one teenage booster for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
These vaccinations protect our children from viruses and bacteria that could disrupt their education and development. Remember, when one child is protected, they also contribute to protecting their classmates and teachers.
RECENT NEWS UK – PHE urges parents to ensure their children receive the MMR after an alarming rise in Measles cases.
The United Kingdom is currently grappling with a worrying surge in measles cases. The rise in incidence, an alarming trend not observed for years, is causing significant public health concerns. According to the latest Public Health England (PHE) figures, the number of reported measles cases in the first half of 2023 has tripled compared to the same period in 2022.
PHE has urged parents to ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine as part of their routine childhood immunisations.
These alarming statistics serve as a potent reminder of the vital importance of maintaining robust and comprehensive vaccination programs. They underscore the need for public health strategies that can swiftly adapt to changing circumstances, such as a global pandemic, to ensure the continuity of routine health services and protect the most vulnerable from preventable diseases.
We strongly recommend you check your family’s health records and contact us if you are concerned about yourself or a family member.
Please remember that these are general guidelines, and specific recommendations may vary depending on an individual’s health, the areas you plan to visit within a country, and current disease outbreaks.
Always contact us for personalised advice.
Vaccinations have proven their worth, saving millions of lives each year globally. So, remember that every vaccination is a step towards a healthier future, whether you’re planning a family holiday, preparing for the new school year, or keeping up-to-date with your child’s vaccination schedule.
Vaccines are readily available here in the clinic. Before booking your appointment, you can call ahead so we can ensure we order any vaccines we do not hold in stock.
Alternatively, you can email: nurselare@drwaynecottrell.com for any vaccine enquiries and to check stock and suitability of vaccination.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
Before you know it, autumn will arrive, and winter will follow, with it, unfortunately, the onset of the flu season.
Influenza, or ‘the flu’, is not just a common cold. It is a severe viral infection that tends to sweep the country during the colder months, hitting its peak between December and February.
The flu can lead to severe complications, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The flu virus mutates and changes yearly, making the annual flu jab a necessary routine. The World Health Organisation studies the circulating strains and updates the flu vaccine to match the anticipated predominant strains each year.
Getting the flu vaccine not only protects you from a potentially severe illness but also aids in reducing the overall strain on health services during the winter months.
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters: Our Best Defence
COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy and are our best defence against the disease. They are proven to significantly reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalisation, and death.
Even if you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine, the annual flu vaccine is still essential as it protects against different viruses.
Combined Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
In the face of both flu and COVID-19, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. It is safe to have both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and they can even be given on the same day.
Please remember to pre-book your boosters when you visit us in the clinic, so we can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and our communities throughout the seasons.
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children aged 5 to 11 years