Increased age can be associated with increased susceptibility to certain infections and some vaccines are recommended in later life.
Flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over the age of 65 years. Although anyone can chose to have a flu jab, the elderly are more susceptible to serious complications of flu infection.
The shingles vaccine is now available and licensed for anyone over 50 years of age. Shingles is the re-emergence of the chicken pox virus and can cause a rash and flu-like symptoms, as well as nerve pain (or neuralgia). The shingles vaccine is most effective against the nerve pain (or neuralgia) symptoms, but can also reduce the chances of getting shingles and the severity of an outbreak.
We can order Shingles vaccine for you in advance with pre-payment. Two types of shingles vaccine are available, so please contact the Central London team on 020 7631 0090 or your local private walk in clinic to find out availability.
Travel vaccines should be considered at any age when traveling to countries with increased risk of infectious diseases. Special consideration should be given when considering traveling to countries with a risk of yellow fever. If you have not had a yellow fever vaccine before, there is a higher risk of serious side effects with a vaccination in the over 60s, and you should take this into account when planning a trip to these areas.
Should you decide to go ahead, a risk assessment should be undertaken with a clinician to assess the pros and cons of the vaccination to decide whether to go ahead. In certain circumstances SameDayDoctor can provide yellow fever vaccine exemption certificates for individuals who are unable to have the vaccine for medical reasons, and who cannot avoid travel to a country where a certificate is required on entry.