Speciality Vaccine Service Reading

Here at Newdays Pharmacy, we provide a full vaccination service to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including travel vaccines, workplace immunisations and speciality vaccines such as MMR and chickenpox.

As well as being the most effective way of preventing infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, pneumonia, meningitis B and HPV, vaccinations are also essential when travelling abroad in certain high-risk countries and regions around the world.

Our vaccination service is available to anyone who wants a specialist vaccination quickly and with no fuss, ideal if you’re planning a big trip overseas, if you’re due to start a new job in the healthcare sector or similar, or if you’re about to start university or college and know that you’ve missed some childhood vaccinations.

How does the speciality vaccine service work?

Get in touch with the friendly and professional Newdays Pharmacy team to discuss what your plans are and what you might potentially need immunising against so that the most appropriate vaccine programme can be created.

When you arrive for your appointment, your pharmacist will ask you some brief questions about your overall health and wellbeing, including your medical history, any allergies, any medication you may already be on and your general health.

You will also be provided with more in-depth information about the vaccinations you’re due to receive. This is also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

Once the pharmacist has determined that the vaccines are appropriate for you based on the answers you’ve provided, you will be administered the doses, usually in the upper arm. You may have to return to the pharmacy for a second and/or third dose, depending on the vaccine in question.

The following vaccines are available at Newdays Pharmacy following a pharmacist consultation. The most appropriate vaccines for your circumstances will be recommended based on your health history, travel plans, age and vaccination record.

MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella); The MMR vaccine protects against three serious viral infections measles, mumps and rubella. It is given as a two-dose course and is part of the standard NHS childhood immunisation schedule. Adults who missed one or both doses as a child, or who are unsure of their vaccination status, can receive the MMR vaccine at Newdays Pharmacy. It is particularly recommended for those starting university, working in healthcare, or travelling to regions where measles outbreaks are common.

Chickenpox (Varicella); The chickenpox vaccine protects against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and can lead to the later development of shingles. While chickenpox is often a mild illness in children, it can be significantly more serious in adults, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system. The vaccine is given as a two-dose course and is recommended for non-immune adults, those working with vulnerable individuals and those planning to travel.

Hepatitis A; Hepatitis A is a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water, and is common in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East. The vaccine is strongly recommended for travellers to at-risk destinations and for those with chronic liver disease. A single dose provides protection for around one year; a booster dose given 6–12 months later extends protection for up to 25 years.

Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection transmitted through blood, sexual contact and from mother to baby. It is recommended for healthcare workers, those travelling to high-risk regions, people with multiple sexual partners and anyone who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids. The standard course is three doses given over six months, though an accelerated schedule is available for those travelling at short notice.

Typhoid; Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water and is prevalent in parts of South Asia, Africa and Latin America. Vaccination is recommended for travellers to these regions, particularly those visiting rural areas, staying with local families or travelling for extended periods. The injectable typhoid vaccine provides protection for around three years.

Meningitis ACWY; The meningitis ACWY vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal disease  A, C, W and Y  which can cause bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. It is required for travellers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah, recommended for sub-Saharan Africa (the “meningitis belt”) and offered to students starting university who may not have received it as part of their teenage vaccination programme.

Meningitis B; The meningitis B vaccine protects against the most common strain of bacterial meningitis in the UK. While it is available on the NHS for infants, it is not routinely offered to older children or adults. It is recommended as a private vaccine for students starting university and for individuals at increased risk of meningococcal disease.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus); The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of human papillomavirus most commonly associated with cervical cancer, as well as other HPV-related cancers and genital warts. It is part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme for boys and girls aged 12–13. Private vaccination is available at Newdays Pharmacy for those who missed their school-age doses, older adults, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Pneumococcal Vaccine; The pneumococcal vaccine protects against bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is offered on the NHS to adults aged 65 and over and to those with certain underlying health conditions. Private vaccination is available at Newdays for those not in an NHS-eligible group who wish to protect themselves.

Rabies; Rabies is a fatal viral infection transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers to high-risk destinations  particularly those visiting rural areas of Asia, Africa, Central and South America  and for those working with animals or in remote locations where medical care may not be readily accessible. The pre-exposure course consists of three doses given over 21–28 days.

Yellow Fever; Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical regions of Africa and South America. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination as a condition of entry. The vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people following a single dose. Newdays Pharmacy is an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, authorised to issue the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — the official yellow card required for entry to certain countries.

Japanese Encephalitis; Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily in rural and agricultural areas of Asia. The vaccine is recommended for travellers spending a month or more in endemic regions, those visiting during the transmission season (typically May to October) and those engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking or cycling. The course consists of two doses given 28 days apart.

Shingles; Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox) and can cause a painful rash, nerve pain and, in some cases, long-term complications including post-herpetic neuralgia. The shingles vaccine is offered on the NHS to adults aged 70–79. Private vaccination is available at Newdays Pharmacy for those outside the NHS-eligible age group who wish to reduce their risk.

 When Should You Book?

For travel vaccinations, we recommend booking your appointment at least 6–8 weeks before your departure date. Some vaccines require multiple doses given over several weeks, and others take time to provide full protection. Booking early ensures your full vaccination course can be completed before travel.