The chickenpox vaccine helps protect against chickenpox. It's only available on the NHS to people in close contact with someone who has a higher risk of getting seriously ill from chickenpox.

What the chickenpox vaccine is for

The chickenpox vaccine helps prevent chickenpox. Although chickenpox is usually mild, it can be very serious for some people, including: pregnant women, babies, those with a weakened immune system.

The chickenpox vaccine is recommended to hlp protect certain people who have a higher risk of getting seriously ill from chickenpox. Who should have the chickenpox vaccineThe chickenpox vaccine is recommended if you're healthy and all the following apply: you're 9 months old or over you've not had chickenpox before you're in regular or close contact with someone who's at risk of getting seriously ill if they get chickenpox, such as a child with leukaemia or an adult having chemotherapyYou should also have the chickenpox vaccine if you've not had chickenpox before and your work involves close contact with patients.

This includes: doctors and nurses, ambulance staff, GP surgery and hospital receptionists, hospital ward cleaners, catering staff, laboratory workers who are exposed to the chickenpox virus. If you're not sure you've had chickenpox before, you may need a blood test to check. Who cannot have the chickenpox vaccineMost people can have the chickenpox vaccine if they need it. But as it's a live vaccine (it contains a weakened version of the chickenpox virus), it's not recommended for some people. People who should not have the chickenpox vaccine include: those with a weakened immune system because of an illness like HIV or a treatment such as chemotherapy, pregnant women, babies under 9 months old, people who've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine, including neomycin or gelatin, people who've had their MMR vaccine in the previous 4 weeks, or are due to have it in the next 4 weeks. If you've had the chickenpox vaccine, you should avoid getting pregnant for 1 month after having the last dose of the vaccine.

Vaccination for cholera

There's a vaccine for cholera, but most people do not need it. It's usually only recommended if either: you're travelling to an area where cholera is common and you'll be visiting remote places without access to medical care you're an aid or disaster relief worker going to an area where a cholera outbreak is likely. The vaccine is given as a drink. For adults, 2 doses (given 1 to 6 weeks apart) can provide protection for up to 2 years. You need to have had both doses at least a week before travelling.

A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria, polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK. You should make sure you and your children are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations before travelling. Further booster doses are usually only recommended if you're going to visit parts of the world where diphtheria is widespread and your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago. Diphtheria is more common in parts of the world where fewer people are vaccinated, such as:Africa, Central and South east Asia, South America, Haiti, Eastern Europe, Russia. Additional doses of the vaccination are given in a single 3-in-1 Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) injection.

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The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Who should have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you: are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)have certain long-term health conditions, are pregnant, live in a care home, are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance, live with someone who has a weakened immune system, Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

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If you would like the vaccine and do not meet the NHS Criteria you can have a private vaccine at The Vesey

The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It's recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.

What the HPV vaccine is for?

The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including: cervical cancer, mouth cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vulval cancer,vaginal cancer.

HPV can also cause genital warts.

Who should have the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.

Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is usually recommended if you're planning a long stay (usually at least a month) in a country where you could get the condition.It's particularly important if:you're visiting during the rainy season or there's a year-round risk because of a tropical climateyou're going to visit rural areas, such as rice fields or marshlandsyou'll be taking part in any activities that may increase your risk of becoming infected, such as cycling or campingJapanese encephalitis is found throughout Asia and beyond. The area it's found in stretches from the western Pacific islands in the east, across to the borders of Pakistan in the west.It's found as far north as Northeastern China and as far south as the islands of the Torres Strait and Cape York in Northeastern Australia.Despite its name, Japanese encephalitis is now relatively rare in Japan because of mass immunisation programmes.Find out more about risk areas on the Travel Health Pro websiteVaccination against Japanese encephalitis usually consists of 2 injections, with the second dose given 28 days after the first.Ideally, you need to have the second dose a week before you leave.Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is usually recommended if you're planning a long stay (usually at least a month) in a country where you could get the condition.It's particularly important if:you're visiting during the rainy season or there's a year-round risk because of a tropical climateyou're going to visit rural areas, such as rice fields or marshlandsyou'll be taking part in any activities that may increase your risk of becoming infected, such as cycling or campingJapanese encephalitis is found throughout Asia and beyond. The area it's found in stretches from the western Pacific islands in the east, across to the borders of Pakistan in the west.It's found as far north as Northeastern China and as far south as the islands of the Torres Strait and Cape York in Northeastern Australia.Despite its name, Japanese encephalitis is now relatively rare in Japan because of mass immunisation programmes.Find out more about risk areas on the Travel Health Pro websiteVaccination against Japanese encephalitis usually consists of 2 injections, with the second dose given 28 days after the first.Ideally, you need to have the second dose a week before you leave.Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is usually recommended if you're planning a long stay (usually at least a month) in a country where you could get the condition.It's particularly important if:you're visiting during the rainy season or there's a year-round risk because of a tropical climateyou're going to visit rural areas, such as rice fields or marshlandsyou'll be taking part in any activities that may increase your risk of becoming infected, such as cycling or campingJapanese encephalitis is found throughout Asia and beyond. The area it's found in stretches from the western Pacific islands in the east, across to the borders of Pakistan in the west.It's found as far north as Northeastern China and as far south as the islands of the Torres Strait and Cape York in Northeastern Australia.Despite its name, Japanese encephalitis is now relatively rare in Japan because of mass immunisation programmes.Find out more about risk areas on the Travel Health Pro websiteVaccination against Japanese encephalitis usually consists of 2 injections, with the second dose given 28 days after the first.Ideally, you need to have the second dose a week before you leave.

Vaccination against some types of meningococcal meningitis is usually recommended if you're travelling to areas at risk and your planned activities put you at higher risk � for example, if you're a long-term traveller who has close contact with the local population.High-risk areas for meningococcal meningitis include:parts of AfricaSaudi Arabia during the mass gatherings of Hajj or UmrahAll travellers to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages are required to show proof of vaccination.If travelling to a high-risk area, you should be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis with a MenACWY vaccine, also known as the quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine.This is a single injection that should be given 2 to 3 weeks before you travel. Babies under a year old need 2 injections.You should have the MenACWY vaccine before travelling to high-risk areas, even if you had the meningitis C vaccine as a child.Read more about the meningococcal meningitis vaccines.

A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria, polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK. You should make sure you and your children are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations before travelling. Further booster doses are usually only recommended if you're going to visit parts of the world where diphtheria is widespread and your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago. Diphtheria is more common in parts of the world where fewer people are vaccinated, such as:Africa, Central and South east Asia, South America, Haiti, Eastern Europe, Russia. Additional doses of the vaccination are given in a single 3-in-1 Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) injection.

Vaccination against typhoid fever is recommended if you're travelling to parts of the world where the condition is common, particularly if you'll: have frequent or prolonged exposure to conditions where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poorbe staying or working with local peopleHigh-risk areas include:Africaparts of South and Southeast Asiaparts of South and Central AmericaTwo main vaccines are available for typhoid fever in the UK. One is given as a single injection, and the other is given as 3 capsules to take on alternate days.It's also possible to have a combined hepatitis A and typhoid jab.Ideally, the typhoid vaccine should be given at least 1 month before you travel, but it can be given closer to your travel date if necessary.Booster vaccinations are recommended every 3 years if you continue to be at risk of infection.Read more about the typhoid vaccine.

Vaccination against rabies is advised if you're travelling to an area where you could get rabies, particularly if:you're staying for a month or morethere's unlikely to be quick access to appropriate medical careyou plan to do activities that could put you at increased risk of exposure to rabies, such as cycling or runningRabies can be found in many parts of the world. GOV.UK provides a detailed list of countries that have rabies in domestic animals or wildlife.Vaccination involves a course of 3 injections before you travel, usually given over a period of 28 days.If you're bitten, licked or scratched by an animal in a country where rabies is a problem, further doses of rabies vaccine (with or without a special anti-rabies injection given around the wound) may be required as emergency treatment.

The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It's available on the NHS for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system.What the shingles vaccine is forShingles is a common condition that causes a painful rash. It can sometimes lead to serious problems such as long-lasting pain, hearing loss or blindness.You're more likely to get shingles, and it's more likely to cause serious problems, as you get older or if you have a severely weakened immune system.The shingles vaccine helps:reduce your chances of getting shinglesreduce your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shinglesWho should have the shingles vaccineThe shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for some older adults and people with a severely weakened immune system.

A combined vaccination that protects against diphtheria, polio and tetanus is routinely given to all children in the UK.You should make sure you and your children are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations before travelling.Further booster doses are usually only recommended if you're going to visit parts of the world where diphtheria is widespread and your last vaccination dose was more than 10 years ago.Diphtheria is more common in parts of the world where fewer people are vaccinated, such as:AfricaCentral and Southeast AsiaSouth AmericaHaitiEastern EuropeRussiaAdditional doses of the vaccination are given in a single 3-in-1 Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio) injection.

Treating vitamin B12 deficiency anaemiaVitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12, called hydroxocobalamin.At first, you'll have these injections every other day for 2 weeks or until your symptoms have started improving.Your GP or nurse will give the injections.After this initial period, your treatment will depend on whether the cause of your vitamin B12 deficiency is related to your diet or whether the deficiency is causing any neurological problems, such as problems with thinking, memory and behaviour.The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anaemia, which is not related to your diet.Diet-relatedIf your vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by a lack of the vitamin in your diet, you may be advised to take vitamin B12 tablets every day between meals.Or you may need to have an injection of hydroxocobalamin twice a year.People who find it difficult to get enough vitamin B12 in their diets, such as those following a vegan diet, may need vitamin B12 tablets for life.Although it's less common, people with vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a prolonged poor diet may be advised to stop taking the tablets once their vitamin B12 levels have returned to normal and their diet has improved.Good sources of vitamin B12 include:meatsalmon and codmilk and other dairy productseggsIf you're a vegetarian or vegan, or are looking for alternatives to meat and dairy products, there are foods that are fortified with vitamin B12, such as some yeast extracts, breakfast cereals and soy products.Check the nutrition labels while food shopping to see how much vitamin B12 different foods contain.Not diet-relatedIf your vitamin B12 deficiency is not caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, you'll usually need to have an injection of hydroxocobalamin every 2 to 3 months for the rest of your life.If you have had neurological symptoms that affect your nervous system, such as numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, you'll be referred to a haematologist and may need to have injections every 2 months.Your haematologist will advise on how long you need to keep taking the injections.For injections of vitamin B12 given in the UK, hydroxocobalamin is preferred to an alternative called cyanocobalamin. This is because hydroxocobalamin stays in the body for longer.Treating folate deficiency anaemiaTo treat folate deficiency anaemia, your GP will usually prescribe daily folic acid tablets to build up your folate levels.They may also give you dietary advice so you can increase your folate intake.Good sources of folate include:broccolibrussels sproutsasparaguspeaschickpeasbrown riceMost people need to take folic acid tablets for about 4 months. But if the underlying cause of your folate deficiency anaemia continues, you may have to take folic acid tablets for longer, possibly for life.Before you start taking folic acid, your GP will check your vitamin B12 levels to make sure they're normal.This is because folic acid treatment can sometimes improve your symptoms so much that it masks an underlying vitamin B12 deficiency.If a vitamin B12 deficiency is not detected and treated, it could affect your nervous system.Monitoring your conditionTo ensure your treatment is working, you may need to have further blood tests.A blood test is often carried out around 7 to 10 days after starting treatment to assess whether treatment is working.This is to check your haemoglobin level and the number of the immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your blood.Another blood test may also be carried out after approximately 8 weeks to confirm your treatment has been successful.Most people who have had a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency will not need further monitoring unless their symptoms return or their treatment is ineffective.

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if you're travelling to countries where there are poor levels of sanitation and hygiene, and hepatitis A is common.Ask your GP, pharmacy or travel clinic if you should have the hepatitis A vaccine if you're travelling to:Sub-Saharan and North AfricaAsiathe Middle EastSouth and Central AmericaEastern EuropeThe vaccination against hepatitis A is usually given as a single initial injection, with a second dose 6 to 12 months later. Two doses should protect you for at least 25 years.You should preferably have the initial dose at least 2 weeks before you leave, although it can be given up to the day of your departure if needed.Jabs that offer combined protection against hepatitis A and hepatitis B or typhoid are also available if you're likely to also be at risk of these conditions.

Vaccination against yellow fever is advised if you're travelling to areas where there's a risk of getting yellow fever.Some countries require a proof of vaccination certificate before they let you enter the country.Yellow fever occurs in some areas of tropical Africa and Central and South America. More information about yellow fever and areas where it's found is available on Travel Health Pro.A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is thought to provide lifelong protection. For most people, a booster dose is no longer recommended.You must have a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before you travel. You will also need to complete a yellow fever vaccination checklist to make sure you can have the vaccine.Find out more about the yellow fever vaccination checklist on the Travel Health Pro websiteYou should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis when you have the vaccine. This certificate is valid for life.Some people cannot have the yellow fever vaccine.Read more about the yellow fever vaccine and who can have it.

The whooping cough vaccine protects babies and children from getting whooping cough. That's why it's important to have all the routine NHS vaccinations.The whooping cough vaccine is routinely given as part of the:6-in-1 vaccine � for babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks4-in-1 pre-school booster � for children aged 3 years 4 monthsIf you're pregnant you should also have the whooping cough vaccine. You usually have it when you're around 20 weeks pregnant. This helps protect your baby for the first few weeks of their life.Speak to your GP surgery or midwife if you're 20 weeks pregnant and have not been offered the whooping cough vaccine.

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended if you're travelling to countries where there are poor levels of sanitation and hygiene, and hepatitis A is common.Ask your GP, pharmacy or travel clinic if you should have the hepatitis A vaccine if you're travelling to:Sub-Saharan and North AfricaAsiathe Middle EastSouth and Central AmericaEastern EuropeThe vaccination against hepatitis A is usually given as a single initial injection, with a second dose 6 to 12 months later. Two doses should protect you for at least 25 years.You should preferably have the initial dose at least 2 weeks before you leave, although it can be given up to the day of your departure if needed.Jabs that offer combined protection against hepatitis A and hepatitis B or typhoid are also available if you're likely to also be at risk of these conditions.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against infection with RSV, a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It's offered on the NHS if you're pregnant, aged 75 to 79, or turned 80 after 1 September 2024.What the RSV vaccine is forThe RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life.It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses, such as:pneumonia (a lung infection)bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies)These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.Getting an RSV infection can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.Who should have the RSV vaccineYou can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if:you're 28 weeks pregnant or more � the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to help protect your baby after they're bornyou're aged 75 to 79you turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024How to get the RSV vaccineThere are different ways to get the RSV vaccine.If you're pregnantYou should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment.Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby. But the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour.Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine.If you're aged 75 to 79 (or turned 80 after 1 September 2024)If you're aged 75 to 79 (or turned 80 after 1 September 2024) contact your GP surgery to book your RSV vaccination.Your GP surgery may contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.You do not need to wait to be contacted before booking your vaccination.

Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended if you're travelling in parts of the world where hepatitis B is common, especially if you'll be doing activities that increase your risk of developing the infection.Hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids. Things like having sex, injecting drugs or playing contact sports on your travels can increase your risk.Anyone travelling for long periods or who's likely to need medical care while abroad is also at increased risk.Hepatitis B is found worldwide, but it's more common in parts of:Sub-Saharan AfricaAsiathe Middle EastSouthern and Eastern EuropeSouth AmericaThe hepatitis B vaccination generally involves a course of 3 injections. Depending on how quickly you need protection, these may be spread over a period as long as 6 months or as short as 3 weeks.A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B jab is also available if you're likely to be at risk of both these conditions while travelling.