Vaccination Schedule for Children and Adults
2 months
5-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib) vaccine – this single jab contains vaccines to protect against five separate diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib, a bacterial infection that can cause severe pneumonia or meningitis in young children)
Meningococcal group C disease (Men B)
3 months
5-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib) vaccine, second dose
Rotavirus vaccine, second dose
4 months
5-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib) vaccine, third dose
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine, second dose
MenB
Between 12 and 13 months
Hib/Men C booster, given as a single jab containing meningitis C (second dose) and Hib (fourth dose)
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, given as a single jab
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine, third dose
MenB
2, 3 and 4 years and children in school years 1 and 2
Flu vaccine (annual)
3 years and 4 months, or soon after
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, second dose
4-in-1 (DTaP/IPV) pre-school booster, given as a single jab containing vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and polio
Around 12-13 years
HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer (girls only) – three jabs given within six months
Around 14 years old
3-in-1 (Td/IPV) teenage booster, given as a single jab which contains vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and polio
MenC and Meningococcal group W disease
Around 13-15 years
65 and over
Flu (every year)
70 years
For further information for vaccinations not provided by the NHS:http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/vaccination-schedule-age-checklist.aspx
Cervical Screen Test Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb). Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it is a test to check the health of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal. But for one in 20 women, the test will show some changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells will go back to normal on their own. In some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming a problem later. Useful LinksNHS Choices – Cervical Screen Test
HPV Vaccination Since September 2008 there has been a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against human papilloma virus (HPV). There is also a three-year catch up campaign that will offer the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer jab) to 13-18 year old girls. The programme is delivered largely through secondary schools, and consists of three injections that are given over a six-month period. In the UK, more than 1.4 million doses have been given since the vaccination programme started.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa. There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk.
What HPV infection can do
Infection with some types of HPV can cause abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells, which can lead to cervical cancer. Infection with other forms of HPV can also cause genital warts. Other types of HPV infection can cause minor problems, such as common skin warts and verrucas. Around 30 types of HPV are transmitted through sexual contact, including those that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. HPV infection is also linked to vaginal cancer and vulval cancer, although both are rare conditions.
Both men and women need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For instance there are some STIs, like chlamydia, that you could be carrying without having any symptoms. This infection can affect fertility, so it’s important to make use of the sexual health services available for free on the NHS.
Useful Links
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Netdoctor – Sex & Relationships
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.
75% of people infected with chlamydia don’t have any symptoms. However, testing and treatment are simple.
Useful Links
The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (under-25s) has more information on chlamydia.
Contraception is free for most people in the UK. With 15 methods to choose from, you’ll find one that suits you.
Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Condoms help to protect against STIs and pregnancy, so whatever other method of contraception you’re using to prevent pregnancy, use condoms as well to protect your and your partner’s health.
The methods of contraception
There are lots of methods to choose from, so don’t be put off if the first thing you use isn’t quite right for you; you can try another. You can read about each of the different methods of contraception by visiting these pages: