Why Adult Vaccination Matters
Vaccination is not only for children. Immunity from childhood vaccines fades over time, some vaccines are given specifically in adulthood, and pregnancy makes certain infections considerably more dangerous for both mother and baby.
At Naari Hospital we review your vaccination history at consultations, particularly before marriage, before pregnancy and during antenatal care, and administer the vaccines that are appropriate for you. Some, such as rubella, must be given before conception rather than during pregnancy, which is one more reason to plan ahead.
Vaccines We Provide and Advise On
Recommendations are individualised according to your age, history and plans.
- HPV vaccination - protection against the virus responsible for most cervical cancers, most effective when given early but beneficial for eligible adult women too.
- Rubella - immunity checked before pregnancy and vaccination given where needed, with conception deferred for a month afterwards.
- Tetanus and diphtheria - including the doses recommended during pregnancy.
- Hepatitis B - the full course for those not previously immunised, particularly relevant for healthcare workers.
- Influenza - an annual vaccine, and specifically recommended during pregnancy.
- Chickenpox - for adults without prior infection or vaccination, given before pregnancy.
- Typhoid and hepatitis A - advised according to individual risk.
- Vaccination in pregnancy - a clear schedule of what is safe, what is recommended and when to have each dose.
Please bring any vaccination records you have, including your childhood card if it is available. Where records are missing, immunity can usually be confirmed with a simple blood test instead of repeating a course unnecessarily.
