BCG Vaccine
For any person aged over 6 a blood test will be required before administering the BCG Vaccine to check for exposure to TB or previous vaccination.
The patient will need to be contacted after a week for blood test results which will determine need for BCG Vaccine.
The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis, which is also known as TB.
TB is a serious infection which affects the lungs and sometimes other parts of the body such as the bones, joints and kidneys. It can also cause meningitis.
BCG vaccination is rarely given to anyone over the age of 16 – and never over the age of 35, because it doesn’t work very well in adults. It is, however, given to adults aged between 16 and 35 who are at risk of TB through their work, such as some healthcare workers.
Chicken Pox Vaccine
Chickenpox is a common childhood infection. Usually, it’s mild and complications are rare. Almost all children develop immunity to chickenpox after infection, so most only catch it once. The disease can be more severe in adults. A patient may get a mild form of chicken pox within 6 week of vaccine.
Certain groups of people, however, are at greater risk of serious complications from chickenpox. These include:
- People who have weakened immune systems through illnesses such as HIV, or treatments like chemotherapy
- Pregnant women
Chickenpox can be very serious for an unborn baby when a pregnant woman catches the infection. It can cause a range of serious birth defects, as well as severe disease in the baby when it is born. Read more about what to do if you catch or are exposed to chicken pox in pregnancy.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio & Pertussis
Diphtheria is a bacterial disease spread mainly by exhaled water droplets and occasionally through infected skin lesions. It can be fatal if left untreated. Travelers are at risk when mixing closely with the local population in most developing countries. If they are likely to be at risk, travelers should ensure they have had a Diphtheria vaccine within the last 10 years.
The bacteria that causes Tetanus is present in soil worldwide and disease occurs when the bacteria gets into a wound or even small cut. The disease leads to uncontrollable muscle spasms and possibly death. Travelers should ensure they have had a Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years before they travel.
Polio is a disease of the central nervous system usually spread through contaminated food and water. Many countries have eradicated Polio through vaccination although it still exists in some African and Asian countries and cases continue to occur worldwide.
For more information on Diptheria, Tetnus and Polio and vaccines required for specific countries please visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx
HPV Vaccine (Cervical Cancer 9 Years – 14 Years)
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name given to a family of viruses.
Different types of HPV are classed as either high risk or low risk, depending on the conditions they can cause. For instance, some types of HPV can cause warts or verrucas. Other types are associated with cervical cancer.
In 99% of cases, cervical cancer occurs as a result of a history of infection with high-risk types of HPV. Often, infection with the HPV causes no symptoms.
Influenza Vaccine
Please note: we currently are unable to stock the influenza vaccine. We are trying our hardest to do so. For up to date information please call the practice.
The flu is a contagious virus spread by coughs and sneezes. Symptoms start suddenly and can be severe, including: fever of 38C (100.4F) or above, tiredness and weakness which may last for several weeks, headache, general aches and pains, dry, chesty cough, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat.
Flu can make you feel very exhausted and unwell, meaning that you may need to stay in bed and rest until you feel better.
If otherwise fit and healthy, you may not be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine. You may, however, still find it a useful option to receive the vaccine privately if you wish to significantly reduce your chances of catching flu, if you work/commute with many people or if you feel you could not afford the time needed to recover.
Meningitis B (Infant 2 – 5 Months)
The Men B vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children.
Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and in some cases death.
Meningitis and septicemia caused by meningococcal group B bacteria can affect people of any age, but is most common in babies and young children.
Meningitis B (Infant 6 Months – 11 Months)
The Meningitis B vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children.
Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and in some cases death.
Meningitis and septicemia caused by meningococcal group B bacteria can affect people of any age, but is most common in babies and young children.
Meningitis B (Infant 12 Months – 23 Months)
The Men B vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children.
Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and in some cases death.
Meningitis and septicemia caused by meningococcal group B bacteria can affect people of any age, but is most common in babies and young children.
Meningitis B (Child 2 – 10 years old)
The Meningitis B vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children.
Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and in some cases death.
Meningitis and septicemia caused by meningococcal group B bacteria can affect people of any age, but is most common in babies and young children.
Meningitis B (Over 11 Years +)
The Men B vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which are responsible for more than 90% of meningococcal infections in young children.
Meningococcal infections can be very serious, causing meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning), which can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and in some cases death.
Meningitis and septicemia caused by meningococcal group B bacteria can affect people of any age, but is most common in babies and young children.
Pneumococcal Vaccine (Over 2 years old)
The pneumococcal vaccine (or ‘pneumo jab’ or pneumonia vaccine as it’s also known) protects against pneumococcal infections.
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis.
More than 90 different strains of the pneumococcal bacterium have been identified, though only between eight and 10 of them cause the most serious infections.
Pneumovax
Pneumonia
This is a lung condition which can lead to serious commercial and health implications and even fatality.
We know that having other health conditions can make an individual more vulnerable and the NHS offers the vaccination for these individuals. However, pneumonia can occur at any age.
Shingles (Over 55 Years)
This is a live vaccine which contains a weakened form of the chickenpox virus. Only one dose is needed to significantly reduce your chances of developing shingles. Even if you do go on to develop shingles at some point later, your symptoms are likely to be milder and the illness shorter.
The shingles vaccination also works very well even in people who have had shingles before as it boosts immunity against further shingles attacks. The vaccine is considered to be very safe with few side effects. Very occasionally people may develop a chickenpox-like illness following the shingles vaccination – this occurs in fewer than 1 in 10,000 people.
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01483 452 555
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Membership
Levitas Clinic Guildford offer an optional membership which includes 7 day access to GP appointments and 10% discount on selected services within the Practice.
All services are also available to non-members.
