Adult Vaccinations

🛡️ Adult Vaccinations: Protecting Your Health at Every Stage 💉

 

Prevention remains one of the most effective tools in medicine. With several important adult vaccines now widely available, we want to ensure you’re informed and protected.

 

Here’s an overview of 4️⃣ nationally recommended vaccines that support long-term health - especially if you're aged 50 and above, or living with a chronic health condition.

 

1️⃣ Shingrix – Shingles Vaccine 🦠🤕

Recommended for: Adults aged 50+
Doses: Two doses, 2–6 months apart

 

Shingles is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox – Varicella Zoster - then hides in your nervous system in an inactive state. Years/decades later, the virus can ‘wake up’, particularly if your immune system is weaker due to ageing or other illness, and cause a painful, blistering rash.

 

It is well over 90% effective at preventing shingles and 88% effective at preventing long term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).

 

2️⃣ Pneumovax 23 – Pneumococcal Vaccine ❄️🚑

Recommended for: Adults aged 65+, or younger adults with chronic health conditions
Doses: Typically one dose; a booster may be recommended after 5 years

 

Infection from Streptococcus Pneumoniae bacteria can lead to ear infections, pneumonia meningitis and sepsis at any age, but those over 65 or with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or who smoke, are particularly vulnerable.

 

Pneumovax 23 protects against 23 variations of this bacteria and it works effectively alongside the childhood pneumococcal vaccine to broaden lifetime protection.

 

3️⃣ Abrysvo – RSV Vaccine ❄️👶

Recommended for: Adults aged 60+ and pregnant women (from 7 months)
Doses: Single dose at present; may change in future

 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has long been known as a common cause of winter lung infections in babies, and yet is a significant cause of lung infections in older adults. RSV season is similar to ‘flu season being in the colder months, but can start earlier in autumn, peaking in winter.

 

Abrysvo is a newly approved vaccine in the UK that reduces the risk of serious RSV-related lung infections, including viral pneumonia.

 

4️⃣ The Annual ‘Flu Vaccine 🤧🛏️

Recommended for: All adults, all ages, but especially those with underlying conditions
Doses: Yearly

Expected Delivery Date: 20th September 2025

 

Influenza is more than a seasonal nuisance — it can cause severe illness, hospitalisation, or complications, especially in vulnerable individuals with underlying health conditions. Even if you're fit and well, catching the ‘flu can knock you out for 7+ days, leave you feeling depleted for weeks afterwards.

 

Influenza season is also in the colder months, but can be later than RSV season peaking around Christmas and often extending into early spring.

 

Because ‘flu strains evolve every season, the vaccine is updated each year to reflect the most likely circulating variants, hence requiring an annual booster. While it’s not 100% effective against catching ‘flu, it significantly reduces severity and complications if you are unlucky enough to catch it.

 

⚠️ Vaccine Side Effects 🩹🤒

 

All four of these vaccines are non-live, meaning they are suitable for individuals with weakened immune systems i.e. from cancer treatment.

 

Side effects are generally mild and short-lived:

• Sore arm

• Low-grade fever

• Fatigue for 24–48 hours
   

Serious side effects are rare, but compared to the alternative (weeks of illness off work, pain, or even a hospitalisation), I know what I would choose!

 

✅  In Summary

 

🍎 Staying healthy isn’t about avoiding infection entirely — it’s about giving your body the tools to fight off infections and recover quickly 💪, by way of supportive vaccines.

 

If you are:
✔️ Over 50
✔️ Living with a long-term health condition
✔️ Caring for others at risk

📧 please do book an appointment with one of our GPs to discuss which vaccinations are appropriate for you, and to receive one (or all!) during your visit. 📅👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️  Contact us on 020 7235 3002.