At Akasi Pharmacy, we prioritise keeping your family healthy.

One of the most impactful ways to protect children’s health is through vaccinations – such as the chickenpox vaccine in the UK. Childhood vaccines play a crucial role in preventing the spread of serious infectious diseases, protecting both individual children and the wider community. In the UK, there are a number of recommended vaccines that shield children from illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and more.

In this guide, we will explore the importance of children’s vaccines, which vaccines are commonly administered in the UK, and what parents should know to make informed choices for their children’s health.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines work to encourage your immune system to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. Your immune system learns how to protect itself from diseases through vaccination and it is much safer to do this than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you for many years.

Why Are Children’s Vaccines Essential?

Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognise and combat specific pathogens. This preventive approach helps children develop immunity before they are exposed to a potentially harmful virus or bacterium. For children, whose immune systems are still developing, vaccines are particularly important in preventing diseases that could otherwise lead to serious complications, hospitalisation, or long-term health issues.

Vaccinating children not only protects them but also contributes to ‘herd immunity,’ which reduces the chance of disease outbreaks and helps protect vulnerable individuals who cannot receive vaccinations themselves, such as babies too young to be vaccinated or those with certain medical conditions.

Key Vaccines for Children in the UK

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides a comprehensive childhood vaccination schedule. Here’s a look at some of the key vaccines offered to children in the UK:

6-in-1 Vaccine

The 6-in-1 vaccine, given in three doses (at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age), protects against six diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B. These diseases can lead to severe respiratory issues, paralysis, liver disease, and other complications, making this vaccine essential for infants.

Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV)

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal infections, which can cause illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Babies receive this vaccine in multiple doses during their first year, with a booster at one year of age.

Rotavirus Vaccine

Given orally at 8 and 12 weeks of age, the rotavirus vaccine protects against rotavirus infections, which cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting in babies and young children. This infection can lead to dehydration and hospitalisation, so the vaccine helps prevent such serious outcomes.

MenB Vaccine

The meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine protects against a severe type of bacterial meningitis, which can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. The MenB vaccine is given at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 12 months of age to help prevent this potentially life-threatening illness.

MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine, administered at one year and again as a booster between 3 and 4 years of age, protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. These viral infections can have serious consequences, such as encephalitis, hearing loss, and congenital defects if contracted during pregnancy. The MMR vaccine is highly effective and has contributed to the reduction of these diseases in the UK.

Flu Vaccine

Each year, the flu vaccine is offered to children aged 2 to 11 through a nasal spray. The flu can be particularly severe in young children, and vaccinating them helps reduce flu-related complications and prevent the spread of the virus to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly.

HPV Vaccine

Though administered at a slightly older age (around 12-13 years), the HPV vaccine is a crucial part of childhood vaccination. This vaccine helps protect against the human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical and other types of cancer. The HPV vaccine is usually given in two doses over a period of six to twelve months.

The Chickenpox Vaccine in the UK

Although chickenpox is common and usually mild in children, some parents may consider the chickenpox vaccine. It’s available privately in the UK, but it’s not part of the routine NHS schedule, except for individuals in high-risk groups, such as those with weakened immune systems. The chickenpox vaccine is beneficial in preventing the discomfort and potential complications associated with the illness. At Akasi Pharmacy, we offer the chickenpox vaccine for parents seeking additional protection for their children.

Are Vaccines Safe?

Parents often have questions about the safety of vaccines, especially with concerns circulating on social media. It’s important to know that vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before they’re approved. In the UK, vaccines undergo a stringent approval process by organisations such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which ensures they are safe for use. Side effects from vaccines are typically mild, such as soreness at the injection site or a slight fever, and serious side effects are exceedingly rare.

Making Informed Decisions about Vaccines

At Akasi Pharmacy, we encourage parents to consult reliable sources when making decisions about vaccinations. Speaking with a healthcare professional, such as your GP or pharmacist, can provide personalised advice tailored to your child’s health needs.

Vaccination schedules can seem complex, and it’s natural to have questions about timing and the need for each vaccine. Our team at Akasi Pharmacy is here to support you, offering expert guidance on the vaccines your child needs, helping to address any concerns, and providing easy access to private vaccinations, including the chickenpox vaccine if desired.

How Akasi Pharmacy Can Help

At Akasi Pharmacy, we believe in making healthcare accessible and supportive. We’re here to answer your questions, provide vaccination information, and offer services that align with your family’s health needs. For vaccinations not available on the NHS, such as the chickenpox vaccine, we offer private services to help ensure your child has the best protection possible.

Our pharmacy staff are trained and knowledgeable in children’s health and vaccinations, and we welcome your questions about vaccine benefits, safety, and the appropriate schedule for your child.

Book Essential Vaccines

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of children’s health and play an essential role in preventing serious illnesses. By following the recommended immunisation schedule, parents can help protect their children and the community. At Akasi Pharmacy, we’re dedicated to supporting parents in making informed choices for their children’s well-being. Whether you’re interested in the standard NHS vaccines or exploring private options like the chickenpox vaccine in the UK, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Protect your child’s health today – let us help you navigate the journey of immunisation.

To find out more about getting vaccinations at Akasi Pharmacy please contact us.

It is time to get children’s vaccines in South East London and Kent with Akasi Pharmacy.