Making sure you and your family are properly immunised is important – especially for children in the years leading up to adulthood and for the elderly.

It’s not something any of us look forward to! But it is part of life. And with all of the main vaccinations required available for free on the NHS, there’s no excuse for not being immunised. There are even ways to overcome the dreaded fear of needles which affects some – and we detail some of these techniques below.

First let’s take a look at the checklist of vaccines routinely offered to everyone in the UK for free on the NHS, and the age at which you should ideally have them, starting in infancy. This should help you form a clear picture of what’s required and when.

Vaccination requirements

2 months:

• 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) given as a 5-in-1 single jab known as DTaP/IPV/Hib • Pneumococcal infection

3 months:

• 5-in-1, second dose (DTaP/IPV/Hib) • Meningitis C

4 months:

• 5-in-1, third dose (DTaP/IPV/Hib) • Pneumococcal infection, second dose • Meningitis C, second dose

Between 12 and 13 months:

• Meningitis C, third dose • Hib, fourth dose (Hib/MenC given as a single jab) • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), given as a single jab • Pneumococcal infection, third dose

3 years and 4 months, or soon after:

• MMR second jab • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio (DtaP/IPV), given as a 4-in-1 pre-school booster

Around 12-13 years:

• Cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer (girls only): three jabs given within six months.

Around 13-18 years:

• Diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster (Td/IPV), given as a single jab

65 and over:

• Flu (every year) • Pneumococcal

Vaccines for risk groups

People who fall into certain risk groups – such as people over 65, those with a long-term health condition and pregnant women - may be offered extra vaccines. These include vaccinations against diseases such as hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB), seasonal flu and chickenpox. You can find full details on vaccinations for risk groups on the official NHS website.

Travel and other vaccines

There are also optional vaccines that you may be able to have free on the NHS from your local surgery, including travel vaccinations. The jabs you require will vary according to your intended destination. You can find a handy vaccination map providing country-by-country information on the official NHS website. Make sure you’re properly immunized before you travel – many of the diseases you need to be protected against can be life-threatening. It’s simply not worth taking a risk.

Overcoming needle phobia

It’s safe to say that nobody actually enjoys having a hypodermic needle stuck into them! But while some of us just grin and bear it, others – especially children – can find the whole process of getting a jab pretty traumatic. So what’s the solution? Well, there are some techniques you can use to try and help overcome those needle fears.

 

Keep them informed

It seems pretty obvious, but one of the best ways to try and calm someone before a vaccination is keeping them completely informed of what is going to happen and why. For a child, try explaining in very simple terms what is going to take place and how quick the process is. This can help to make the experience less intimidating.

Distraction techniques

These are particularly useful for young children. Take along their favourite toy, teddy or dolly for comfort. Reading a book as it’s happening can also help. You could also try singing a song, counting to ten together or using toys that are held by the arm not being vaccinated – moving the focus away from the vaccinated arm.

Anaesthetic creams

These have been used in hospitals for many years and are designed to numb the nerves before a needle is inserted. With children they are sometimes referred to as ‘magic cream’. The use of such topical creams can make a massive difference to the experience of being vaccinated – especially for children – with life-long benefits.

If you’re not sure whether you or your child have had all your vaccinations, ask your GP or practice nurse – or pop in to your local Co-operative Pharmacy. Find your nearest branch of The Co-operative Pharmacy.