Immunisation and Vaccination

Immunisation programmes have been one of the most successful weapons in the fight against infectious diseases over the years. Bolton is rightly proud of its good record in this field, with generally high rates of uptake of the vaccines available.
For more information on all aspects of immunisation and vaccination you can visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk.

Childhood vaccinations

Babies are offered a series of vaccinations at two, three and four months old which protect against the following diseases :

Polio
Diptheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) - given as a triple vaccine
Haemophilus influenza type b - known as Hib
Meningitis C

About 97% of children in Bolton receive this protection (slightly less for meningitis C which was introduced more recently). This is higher than the national average of about 95%.

Children are also offered vaccination against mumps, measles and rubella (german measles) at 13 months and again before they start school. Around 90% of Bolton children receive this protection.
For more information about MMR visit www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk
or look at the PCT's Leaflet

Influenza vaccination

The "flu jab" is offered each autumn to everyone aged over 65, and to those with conditions which make them more vulnerable to flu. In Bolton 66.4% of the over-65s received their flu vaccination last year, but we're aiming to improve on this figure, and reach - or exceed - the national target of 70%.
In Bolton last year we achieved the national target of vaccinating 70% of our over-65s against flu