The NHS in the South West is urging people to make sure they and their families are up to date with routine vaccinations this August, as part of Immunisation Awareness Month. 

Immunisations work by training the body’s immune system to recognise and fight specific infections before they can cause serious illness, and vaccinations are the way people are given this protection. 

Vaccines help to protect against infections that can cause severe illness, hospital admission and, in some cases, lifelong complications. If enough people get vaccinated, they can help to reduce the spread of disease in the wider community, including to people who may be more vulnerable.  

Routine vaccinations are offered for free by the NHS at different stages of life and successful vaccination programmes have resulted in the UK being declared free of diseases such as polio, with others, like diphtheria, almost fully controlled. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been a decrease in the uptake of some vaccines which has resulted in outbreaks of diseases such as measles in our communities.  

Preventable childhood infections, such as measles, can have devastating consequences. However, in England the childhood vaccination programme is estimated to prevent around 5,000 deaths every year. 

It is important that your children receive their routine vaccinations on time to get the best protection. You will be contacted by your GP surgery when your child’s routine vaccination is due.  

If you are unsure whether your child is up to date with their vaccinations, check their Red Book, NHS App or speak with their GP. If a vaccination has been missed, you may still be able to arrange a catch-up vaccination with your GP practice. 

Children are also offered further routine vaccinations as teenagers. These include the HPV vaccine, which protects against some types of HPV-relate cancers, and the teenage booster vaccines. These are often given at your child’s school. If you are unsure whether your child has missed a school-age vaccination, contact their school aged immunisation service or GP practice for advice. 

If you are pregnant, vaccines can also help to protect your child before they are born. The vaccines recommended during pregnancy include whooping cough and RSV, as well as flu during autumn/winter. These vaccines help to protect both you and your baby, including in the first weeks and months of your baby’s life. Speak with your midwife or GP practice for more information and to find out when you may be eligible.  

Some people are at a higher risk of severe illness from vaccine-preventable diseases. As such people who are clinically at risk, including those with some long-term health conditions or weakened immune systems, may be offered extra protection through additional vaccinations. Often, you will be contacted by your GP practice or specialist if you are eligible for any additional vaccines.  

Older adults can also be more at risk from severe illness and are offered additional vaccinations such as the pneumococcal vaccine from 65 years old; the shingles vaccine for those turning 65 years old and for those who are aged 70 to 79 years old; the RSV vaccine for those over 75 years old; and seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines for those eligible. If you think you are eligible for one of these vaccines and have not been invited by the NHS, speak with your GP practice.  

Dr Georgina Angel, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said: “Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious illness. Immunisation Awareness Month is a helpful reminder to check whether you, your child or someone you care for is up to date with their routine vaccinations. 

“The vaccines offered routinely by the NHS are rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness before they are used and continue to be monitored once introduced. While some people may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm or feeling a little unwell for a short time, usually these get better quickly and serious side effects are rare. 

“If you are unsure about whether you or your child should have a vaccine, please speak to a trusted healthcare professional, such as your GP practice, midwife, pharmacist or health visitor. They can talk through your concerns and help you make an informed decision.”  

People can find out which vaccinations are recommended for them or their child by searching “NHS vaccinations” online, checking the NHS App or contacting their GP practice. Pregnant women can also speak to their midwife, and parents can ask their health visitor or school immunisation team for advice.