We offer a range of vaccinations (immunisations) to help keep you and your family well. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases.
Children’s immunisations
Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health. They prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year. Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or are now very rarely seen.
Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have reduced to a very low number of cases each year since vaccines were introduced. These cases are often related to travel. However, if people stop having vaccines, it’s possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again. When you receive a letter from the NHS asking you to book your child’s immunisations – please call us to book their appointment.
You can read more about childhood vaccinations on the NHS’ website Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself – NHS
What is the MMRV vaccine?
The MMRV vaccine protects your child against four infections: measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella). It is given as a single injection and forms part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.
Why is MMRV recommended?
MMRV provides the same protection against measles, mumps, and rubella as the MMR vaccine, with added protection against chickenpox. Using a combined vaccine reduces the number of injections your child needs and follows national guidance.
If your child has already had chickenpox
Even if your child has already had chickenpox or a chickenpox vaccine, they should still receive MMRV. It is safe to do so and ensures full protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Additional doses of live vaccines do not increase the risk of side effects.
Can parents request the MMR vaccine instead of the MMRV vaccine?
MMRV is the only vaccine offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. MMR is now only used outside the routine schedule, for example, for older children catching up on missed vaccinations.
Is the MMRV vaccine safe?
Yes. MMRV has been thoroughly tested, is used safely worldwide, and is recommended by national health authorities.
What if parents choose to decline the MMRV vaccine?
If parents choose not to have the MMRV vaccine, this decision will be recorded in the child’s medical record. Parents will be advised that declining MMRV is outside the national immunisation schedule and not in line with national guidance.
NHS England guidance
NHS England guidance states that GP practices can only provide vaccinations offered as part of the national immunisation programme. Practices are not commissioned to provide alternative vaccines or schedules outside national guidance and are therefore unable to offer MMR instead of MMRV within the routine programme.
Further information
For reliable, evidence-based information, parents are encouraged to visit the Oxford Vaccine Knowledge Project or speak to a member of the clinical team.
A guide for Parents and Carers can be found here:
MMRV vaccination – GOV.UK
Why vaccination is safe and important – NHS
Adult vaccinations
We offer vaccinations for adults for:
- Covid-19
- Flu
- Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
- Shingles
We will contact you to book these vaccinations when you are eligible.
Travel vaccinations
If you are travelling abroad, you may need to have vaccinations to help to keep you well when you are travelling. You can read more about travel vaccinations here Travel vaccination advice – NHS
If you are travelling abroad in the next three months, please book an appointment with one of our nurses to discuss what vaccinations you may need. You can read more about travelling to specific countries, here NaTHNaC – Country List
RCN travel risk assessment form
All patients are required to complete the travel risk assessment form and email it to Randolph.surgeryw9@nhs.net. Once submitted, our nursing team will review the information and contact you to advise whether or not you require any vaccinations and to schedule an appointment if necessary.
Please be aware
Anti-vaccine stories are often spread online through social media and offline. Always get your vaccine and health information from trusted sources, such as your GP or nurse, the NHS or World Health Organisation (WHO). The vaccine information on social media may not be based on scientific evidence and could put your child at risk of a serious illness.
All the current evidence tells us that getting vaccinated is safer than not getting vaccinated.
