Having access to clear, trusted information is key to feeling confident about immunisation
This section brings together learning opportunities, guidance and resources to support staff during World Immunisation Week and beyond.
They can support conversations with patients and carers, help answer common questions, and strengthen understanding of how immunisation protects health across all generations.
| Age due | Diseases that vaccines protect against |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks |
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, influenza type b, hepatitis B, meningococcal B and rotavirus |
| 12 weeks |
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, influenza type b, hepatitis B, meningococcal B and rotavirus |
| 16 weeks |
Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, influenza type B, hepatitis B and pneumococcal |
|
1 year old |
Pneumococcal, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella |
|
3 years, 4 months |
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio |
|
12 to 13 years old |
Human papillomavirus (HPV) |
|
14 years old |
Tetanus, diphtheria, polio, meningococcal groups A,C,W and Y |
|
65 years old |
Pneumococcal, influenza annually, shingles |
|
70 -79 years old |
Shingles |
|
75 years old |
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) |
Selective immunisation programmes
Targeted and selective immunisation programmes:
- Children in a clinical risk group – Influenza
- Infants in areas of high incidence – Tuberculosis
- Babies born to infected women – Hepatitis B
- Pregnant women – Influenza, pertussis, RSV
- Additional vaccines for chronic conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease
- Travel vaccines
- Occupational vaccines.
Communicating with patients, parents and carers (30 minutes, ESR)
This course considers the issue of talking with patients/parents/carers about immunisation. Examples of common questions and concerns of relevance for different patient groups are provided.
Immunisation and Vaccinations (ESR)
Additional CPD on ESR, under 'Occupational knowledge and skills'.
A source of independent, evidence-based information about vaccines and infectious diseases: Vaccine Knowledge Project (University of Oxford)
The Vaccine Knowledge Project is managed by the Oxford Vaccine Group, an academic research group in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford. The site is updated regularly to make sure information is as up-to-date and accurate as possible and is overseen by academic staff at the cutting edge of vaccine research.
- 'Vaccines work' infographic from Public Health England - download this poster
- Posters and information available for all different types of immunisation: https://find-public-health-resources.service.gov.uk/
- A list of all the different vaccines, who they are targeted at and why: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/
- Your absolute guide to vaccination, for anyone wanting to delve further: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book -
Video library
Vaccines from lab to licensing:
Umbrella of protection:
A life changed by measles:
How to make a vaccine in record time:
