Tel: 01803 862671

Vaccinations and immunisations

We offer immunisation services as follows. For more information on immunisations please visit the NHS website, www.immunisation.nhs.uk

Childhood Immunisations

We immunise children in line with the national programme. You will be invited to bring your child in for immunisation once they reach certain ages:

Travel vaccinations

Some vaccinations are available on the NHS others must be paid for. To get advice on the vaccinations you will need please telephone our Practice Nurses. You should allow plenty of time for your vaccinations – some need to be given 3 months in advance of travel. If there is to be a charge for your vaccination you will be advised of this at your first consultation.

Payment for vaccinations must be made in advance. Once payment has been made at reception we will order your vaccines

Malaria tablets are NOT available on the NHS. Some medications can be bought from the chemist. Others need a private prescription. Our nurses can advise you on this.

We are a registered Yellow Fever Centre and so are able to offer this vaccine.

View travel vaccination charges

Hepatitis B vaccinations

A course of vaccinations to prevent Hepatitis B may be given for different reasons. Depending on the reason for the vaccination there may be a charge. The course consists of 3 doses normally given at 0, 1 and 6 months. In some circumstances they can be given over a shorter period of time. Please ask the nurse for details if this is appropriate for you.

• If you are travelling abroad and need these vaccinations there will be a charge.
• If your GP has suggested you need the vaccine because you have been in contact with someone who has the disease for example, the vaccine is free.
• If you require the vaccine because your employer (or future employer) has suggested you need it, there will be a charge. Your employer should reimburse you the cost of the vaccine. The charge is as per our travel vaccine charges.

Influenza vaccination

Annually this vaccination is offered to anyone felt to be particularly at risk from this disease. This includes anyone over the age of 65 and anyone over the age of 6 months who matches one of the following criteria:

• Chronic respiratory disease including asthma
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic renal disease
• Diabetes
• Receiving immunosuppressant medication because of illness or treatment
• Anyone living in long-stay residential and nursing homes or other long-stay facilities

Depending on the availability of vaccines we normally carry out this programme during October, in preparation for the winter. We will write to you inviting you to attend the surgery for your injection. Vaccinations are given on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. We would encourage you therefore to take up our offer as soon as possible following receipt of our invitation.

Pneumococcal vaccination

This is a ‘one off’ vaccination to give lifetime protection against some of the worst effects of the pneumococcal infection which can give rise to illnesses such as pneumonia and septicaemia. The NHS has decided that this vaccination is recommended for anyone over the age of 65 and adults or children who are at an increased risk of getting pneumococcal disease because of one of the following conditions:

• Serious breathing problems, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema
• Serious heart conditions
• Severe kidney disease
• Long term liver disease
• Diabetes that needs medication
• Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, for example, chemotherapy or radio therapy treatment for cancer or long-term steroid conditions such as asthma.

This vaccine is available at any time. As it is recommended for many of the same people who receive the influenza vaccine however we may offer this vaccine to you at the same time.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination

This virus is thought to cause about 70% of cervical cancers.  If are female and were born between 1st September 1990 and 31st August 1991 you are entitled to this free.

If you have not had your vaccinations yet you can attend the sessions below:

Venue: Totnes Hospital Consulting Room 4

Time: 5:30pm—7:30pm

Dates: Tuesday 19.5.09
Tuesday 16.6.09
Tuesday 3.11.09

Please telephone the immunisation team, where you can leave a message, stating your name and which sessions you will attend.

You need to have three doses of the vaccine over about a six month period for the best protection; so, if possible you need to attend all three sessions above.

If this venue is not convenient there may be others so please contact the team on 01392 208472.

For further information phone this number or go to www.immunisation.nhs.uk/hpv