Vaccination Information
Please find Vaccination Information about some of the vaccinations we offer. Please read this information before completing the consent questionnaire or attending your appointment.
COVID-19
Covid-19 Vaccine – NHS UK
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV)
HPV Vaccine – NHS UK
HPV – Practice Guidance
MEASLES, MUMPS & RUBELLA (MMR)
MMR Vaccine – GOV UK
MMR – Practice Guidance
MENINGOCOCCAL ACWY
Men ACWY Vaccine – GOV UK
Men ACWY – Practice Guidance
PNEUMOCOCCAL
Pneumococcal Vaccine – NHS UK
Pneumococcal – Practice Guidance
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)
RSV Vaccine – NHS UK
SEASONAL INFLUENZA
Influenza Vaccine for Children – GOV UK
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine – NHS UK
SHINGLES
Shingles Vaccine – GOV UK
Shingles – Practice Guidance
What is vaccination consent?
Before any vaccination, patients must be given information about:
- What the vaccine is for
- Vaccination benefits
- Possible side effects and risks
- The option to ask questions or decline
This is called informed consent.
You may receive this information:
- In a leaflet
- Via a link sent by text or email
- On our website (see information links above)
- Or through discussion with a GP, nurse, or pharmacist
You will have been sent a consent questionnaire to complete ahead of your vaccine appointment. If you have questions regarding the vaccine before you are able to give consent, then please let the clinician at your vaccine appointment aware. A registered GP or Nurse will be available to answer any questions. You have the right to withdraw consent anytime up until the procedure.
Learn more about vaccinations at the PracticeWhat is changing about vaccination consent?
NHS national guidance has recently changed and more clearly explains how Practices must get and record consent for vaccinations.
This is to help patients get clear information, and to make sure consent is taken safely and in the same way across other health services.
These changes do not affect:
- Your right to choose whether or not to have a vaccine
- The safety of vaccines
- Who is eligible for vaccination
They do change how consent is handled and who is responsible for each part of the process.
Who is responsible for consent?
Under the new national guidance:
- A registered healthcare professional (such as a GP, nurse, or pharmacist) is responsible for obtaining and recording informed consent.
- Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) are trained to administer vaccines, but they do not take informed consent.
This means:
- Informed consent must be taken or confirmed by a registered clinician
- HCAs do not make the clinical decision about consent
What will happen at your vaccination
On the day of your vaccination, if a Healthcare Assistant is giving the vaccination, they will:
- Check that informed consent has already been obtained
- Confirm that you are still happy to receive the vaccine
- Ask safety questions, such as about allergies, recent illness, or changes in your health
- Check for any new contraindications before giving the vaccine
- Involve a GP or nurse if there are any concerns or uncertainties
If you ask a question that needs a clinical decision, or if there is anything unclear, the HCA will pause the vaccination and involve a registered clinician before proceeding.
You can change your mind at any point, including at the appointment.
What happens if you’ve had the same vaccination before?
If you have had this vaccine before, it means you may already know about it.
However:
- Consent is still checked each time
- Information is updated regularly
- You will always be given the opportunity to ask questions or decline
Do you have any questions or concerns?
Please contact the Practice if you:
- Would like to speak to a GP, nurse, or pharmacist before your appointment
- Have a medical condition, allergy, or are unsure if the vaccine is suitable
- Need more information to help you decide whether you should have the vaccine
What do you need to know?
- You will always receive information before vaccination
- A registered clinician is responsible for informed consent
- The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will check consent, confirm safety, and involve a clinician if needed
- Your choice, understanding, and safety are our priority