Vaccinations
Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases. They prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year.
In the UK, the national immunisation programme is determined by the Department of Health and Social Care. The routine vaccination schedule starts from two months of age to 65 years and over. Other vaccines are available for those with complex health needs or those who are more at risk.
Routine (e.g. childhood/adult) and seasonal (e.g. influenza/Covid-19) vaccination programmes are delivered through a range of local providers such as GPs, pharmacies, hospital trusts and the school-aged immunisation service.
Uptake of vaccinations has declined in recent years, particularly since the pandemic, and World Health Organisation specified thresholds for childhood immunisations are mostly being missed. In response to this, NHS England launched its Vaccination Strategy in 2023, pledging high quality and convenient vaccination services tailored to the needs of local people.
Vaccination uptake in Nottinghamshire compares well with England and the East Midlands but mirrors the decreasing national trend. Uptake of vaccinations such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), HPV (human papillomavirus), the pre-school booster (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio) and influenza are now below acceptable thresholds.
Across the county there is also considerable variation between communities, among minority ethnic groups, inclusion health groups (such as people who experience homelessness) and those not registered with healthcare providers.
In health protection, we work with partners and the NHS to promote the importance of vaccination and support efforts to increase uptake.
We have created a conversation skills guide [PDF] to help spot opportunities to talk about vaccinations with staff, colleagues, family and friends. Also to help ask questions, handle misinformation and signpost to other resources.
Below is information on vaccination programmes delivered in schools and training resources.
Intrahealth currently provide vaccinations in schools. There are four main vaccination programmes delivered in school:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The HPV vaccination is offered to girls and boys aged 12 to 13 years old when they're in school Year 8. From September 2023, only a single dose of the vaccination will be required (previously two doses were offered, the first in year 8 and the second in year 9). Those pupils that have already received a vaccine by September 2023 will not need a second.
The HPV vaccine helps protect against cancers caused by HPV, including cervical cancer, some mouth and throat cancers and some cancers of the anal and genital areas. It also helps protect against genital warts.
The Teenage Booster (Td/IPV)
The Teenage Booster vaccine is a single injection which boosts protection against tetanus, diphtheria and polio, and is also known as the 3-in-1 teenage booster.
It is routinely offered to year 9 students alongside the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY)
Babies are given the MenB vaccine to help protect against a common type of bacteria that causes meningitis. The MenACWY vaccine is offered to all year 9 students alongside the teenage booster vaccine and helps protect against four other types of bacteria linked to meningitis.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly and can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Nasal Flu Vaccine (Influenza)
The School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS) will also offer the nasal flu vaccine each year to all school children from Reception to year 11. As the main flu viruses can change each year, a new nasal spray flu vaccine is given each year.
There is an injectable flu vaccination available that does not contain any pork derivatives if required.
The SAIS also offer vaccination sessions in the community during the school holidays for anyone who missed their vaccination at school or for children who are electively home educated (EHE) or emotionally based school avoidant (EBSA).
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): catch-up programme
In addition to the main vaccination programmes, the School Aged Immunisation Team are also able to offer MMR vaccines to young people in year 8 and year 9 who have not completed the two-dose course.
Below is a useful training resource if you would like to learn more about vaccinations.
NHS England elearning for healthcare: Immunisation programme
