Adult Wellness Vaccinations
It is never too late to catch up on childhood vaccinations. Many infectious diseases which we can vaccinate against are more harmful in adults than they are in children. Even if the risks are the same, the chances of hospitalisation increases with age and so it is important to ensure you are up-to-date with all your vaccinations.
Various vaccination programmes have only been introduced in the past 70 years, meaning many older generations were unable to access the full spectrum of childhood vaccinations available today. As a result, many missed out on some very important vaccines, leaving gaps in their vaccination history. Similarly, life sometimes gets in the way of good intentions and many adults have incomplete vaccination courses. Not completing the full vaccination course means you’re not fully protected against that infectious disease.
Unvaccinated adults are more susceptible to these preventable diseases.
In some circumstances, adults are offered additional wellness vaccinations to prevent complications due to a health condition, old age and/ or pregnancy.
Adult vaccinations are also advised for those with certain health conditions that may develop in adulthood. Some health conditions can weaken the body’s immune response, making you more vulnerable to infectious diseases, complications and hospitalisation. Likewise, during pregnancy, women and their babies are more vulnerable to certain diseases and therefore some vaccinations are specifically given during pregnancy to protect the mother and newborn.
Your immune system naturally decreases with age, therefore certain vaccinations are recommended to protect elderly adults. Certain diseases are also more prevalent in older adults, such as shingles, so the need to protect yourself against them also increases.
If you are unsure of which vaccines may be appropriate for you, book a consultation with one of our expert nurses who can talk you through your options and provide advice and guidance.
Vaccinations offer protection against lots of infectious diseases and there is no need to suffer from them.
Shingrix
Shingles is a very painful viral infection that generally affects people over the age of 50. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and only those who have previously had chickenpox can develop shingles. Seeing as most people have had chickenpox as a child, it is a highly recommended vaccine for older adults.
Pneumonia
Many people know that pneumonia is a potentially fatal infection. However, not as many know that there is a vaccine for it. Those over 65 are particularly vulnerable to pneumonia and having the vaccine is a great way of protecting yourself against the serious consequences of the disease.
Covid Vaccine
Book your private Covid vaccine and safeguard your health against the latest strain of Covid-19. Protection offers peace of mind for yourself and your community.
HPV
Reduce your risk of developing HPV-related cancers including head, neck, penile, cervical, anal and oropharyngeal (throat) with Gardasil 9, HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccination programme was introduced in 2008, meaning many adults are not vaccinated. Even those who have already been exposed to HPV may still benefit from the vaccine.
Flu Jab
Flu is normally referred to as “just the flu” and most people don’t think of it as a serious illness but this is a dangerous misconception. Anyone can catch the flu and it can be highly unpredictable, sometimes leading to serious, life-threatening complications. The flu jab offers the best protection against the flu.
Tuberculosis (BCG)
The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB), which can cause serious health complications and even fatality. It can only be given to those who have not been exposed to TB or the vaccine and therefore a Mantoux skin test is required before the vaccination can be given.
Meningitis ACWY
Meningitis ACWY is a vaccine that protects against 4 types of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicemia - both of which can be fatal. While all adults can benefit from the vaccine, it is particularly important for those about to attend university for the first time and for travel abroad.
MMR
The MMR vaccine is a 3-in-1 immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella. It is a vaccine that is now routinely offered to children on the NHS, however it was not always around and those born between 1970 and 1990 may only be partly immunised or not at all.
Meningitis B
Meningitis B is the most common form of meningitis and can be fatal in 10% of cases. While it is most serious for babies, adults can still benefit from the vaccine and adults who are likely to be near young babies should consider vaccination.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that can result in chronic liver disease and even death. Hep A is easily spread through contaminated food and water and many adults planning to travel to certain countries are strongly advised to receive the vaccine.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a highly contagious infection that can lead to liver failure and cancer. Thankfully you can protect yourself from this with the Hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine is particularly important for those with HIV and other autoimmune diseases.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, although generally considered to be a childhood illness, is in fact more common in adults. While the infection isn’t particularly harmful to adults, it can be severe in babies, particularly under 1 and so pregnant women and those who may come into contact with young babies should be vaccinated.
Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio (DTP)
DTP - diphtheria, tetanus and polio are three infections which are now easily vaccinated against with the three in one DTP vaccine. These diseases have all been known to have serious health complications and even cause fatalities in severe cases.
FAQs
> This depends on the vaccine. Some vaccinations last a lifetime, others need boosters yearly. To find out if you need any booster vaccinations, simply give us a call and we can look at your records and advise whether you require any boosters.
> Your registered GP clinic should have records for all your vaccinations. If you received any additional vaccinations from a travel clinic, then the clinic where you receive the vaccinations should also have records of what you recieved.
This depends on the vaccination. Some vaccinations are routinely offered on the NHS, while others are not. Whether you are offered a vaccine or not usually depends on your age and health status.
Pregnant women are more vulnerable to infectious diseases and therefore it is a good idea to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. It is particularly important to ensure that you have been vaccinated against whooping cough – this is offered to all pregnant women but is also good for those who live with them to make sure they are also vaccinated.
The choice is yours, we can recommend which vaccinations you should consider, but ultimately it is up to you which ones you choose to go ahead with. You can discuss which vaccinations you are missing with one of our nurses. They can go through your vaccination history and advise you on what vaccinations they recommend and also which ones are due a booster. Vaccinations can be administered during the same appointment.
Our Patients Speak for Us
Vlad Cochintoiu
Had a great experience booking and getting a last minute rapid rabies jab with Fleet Street Clinic! They even booked me in out of hours for my jab because it was the only way to do it before my travels! Thank you to everyone who assisted me.
Mark Tebbit
On repeated occasions over the last year, I have received A1 treatment from the Fleet Street Clinic. Short-notice appointments, face to face and on the phone, for emergency conditions and quick prescriptions from excellent doctors have helped me enormously. The Reception Team are also highly professional. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.
Clare Elliott
Very easy to book. The nurse was great with my nervous daughter. I would recommend for travel vaccinations.
Charles Lee
Fleet Street were excellent. Saw me at short notice and provided a good diagnosis of my condition. Their prescriptions were on the money because my infected ear began to clear up soon afterwards.
Paul Vella
Excellent service, had a private Covid and Flu vaccination here arrived early and was called in by the nurse almost immediately, very pleasant surroundings and lovely stuff would use again worth £125 to get protected as not eligible for free vaccinations.
Emily Lavis
Brilliant clinic, would 100% recommend. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the nurse's care couldn't have been better. They managed to fit me in for a same-day appointment and provide me with helpful advice for follow up. Thank you :)
Grace G
The travel nurse was lovely and very efficient with giving me vaccines. She even took the time to nurse a wound I had whilst I was there. Really great care.
Daz Smith
Excellent service and support throughout my appointment process. Dr Griffiths was very supportive.
Hareen De Silva
Fantastic front of house staff. Dr Levy was brilliant during my appointment. Nurse Chiara gave me my travel vaccinations and was extremely professional and knowledgeable.
Nicholas Grundy
I recently sought treatment at Fleet Street Clinic for painful ears; I was quickly diagnosed by Dr Hartmann. He prescribed ear drops and arranged an appointment for me a week later with Lucy Mildren. Within a week my ears were better. Everything was very efficient and I was treated with care and skill.