Start well

Vaccines and immunisations

Immunisation saves lives. It's one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions and a cornerstone of public health. High rates of immunisation are key to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting the health of the population. The World Health Organisation estimates that 3 million lives are saved every year worldwide through immunisation.

It's important that all children and babies are fully immunised to protect them from potentially serious diseases. Once common illnesses, such as diphtheria and tetanus, are now rare in the UK because of immunisation. But while polio has been eliminated in Europe, the threat of other diseases, such as measles and meningitis, has not gone away.

Adults also benefit from immunisation. Some people will need immunisations to protect their health at work or while travelling, and national programmes exist to protect those at risk from conditions such as influenza and pneumococcal disease.

Southwark Public Health Division, together with key partners and stakeholders has produced many documents identifying the local population's needs. Please note that this list will be updated as and when the new information becomes available.

Southwark JSNA reports

• Immunisation JSNA 2019 - Preschool ^{(PDF, 1.5mb)}
• Immunisation JSNA 2019 - School Age ^{(PDF, 891kb)}
• Immunisation JSNA 2019 - Adults ^{(PDF, 788kb)}

Other local plans and strategies

• Southwark Immunisation Strategy & Action Plan 2019 to 2021 ^{(PDF, 809kb)}
• Southwark Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2015-2020
• Southwark Five Year Forward View 2016/17 - 2020/21
• Southwark's Primary and Community Care Strategy 2013/14 - 2017/18

External resources

• OHID, Health Protection Profile
• OHID, Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule
• OHID, The Green Book
• NHSE, Child Immunisation
• NHSE, London Immunisations

Page last updated: 02 January 2024