Vaccinations

Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. This can make you jaundiced (skin turn yellow) and feel unwell. In a third of cases it can become chronic with the potential to cause liver failure and liver cancer.

The virus is spread through blood and bodily fluids, usually through unprotected sex (in the same way as HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C).

The best way to avoid Hepatitis B is to use condoms.

At SHiP Derriford Hospital we offer vaccination against Hepatitis B which protects you for more than 10 years. It involves a small injection in the arm, repeated up to 3 times over a year. It is important to complete the course of injections to achieve protection.

If you think you might have hepatitis B or might be at risk of it, please come and see us or call us on 01752 431804.

There is no vaccination available for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. This can make you jaundiced (skin turn yellow) and feel unwell. In more than half of cases it can become chronic with the potential to cause liver failure and liver cancer.

The virus is spread through blood and bodily fluids, usually through unprotected sex (in the same way as HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B).

The best way to avoid Hepatitis C is to use condoms.

At SHiP Derriford Hospital we can offer a blood test for Hepatitis C. Treatment is also available.

If you think you might have hepatitis C or might be at risk of it, please come and see us or call us on 01752 431804.

HPV are a family of low- and high-risk viruses associated with genital warts (‘low risk’ HPV) and cancers including cervical, anal and throat cancers (‘high risk’ HPV).

It is extremely rare for warts to become cancerous. This is because the HPVs which cause most warts (HPV 6 and 11) are ‘low risk’ viruses.

For several years now, girls have been vaccinated against ‘high risk’ as well as common‘low risk’ HPV strains through a national vaccination program in schools. From 2020, this will be extended to boys. This protects against cancers as well as most warts.

Routine cervical screening (sometimes known as a ‘cervical smear test’) starts for all women at the age of 25. This is a test, usually done at your GP every 3 years, that looks for early pre-cancer changes in the cervix so that it can be treated and cured.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are now offered the HPV vaccine through sexual health clinics like SHiP Derriford Hospital, up to the age of 45. This helps protect against both genital warts and ‘high risk’ HPV cancers and is especially important for those MSM with multiple partners or those living with HIV.

People living with HIV benefit from additional vaccinations. If you are under our care we will discuss this with you.

What is the vaccine and how does it work?  

The ‘4CMenB’ vaccine (commonly known by the brand name ‘Bexsero’) was developed to protect against meningitis B. It is part of the routine childhood vaccination programme and has been around, and in use for many years. Because the meningitis bug comes from the same family as gonorrhoea, the vaccine also provides some protection against gonorrhoea. You may see it referred to as ‘4CMenB’, ‘Men B’, ‘Meningococcal B’ or ‘Bexsero’, but they are all the same vaccine.  

How good is the vaccination at stopping gonorrhoea?  

Studies have shown that it’s about 30-40% effective at protecting against gonorrhoea, as remember, it wasn’t developed specifically for this infection. But with less gonorrhoea circulating among people who are vaccinated, there will be a lower risk overall of getting the infection. 

Does the vaccine protect against any other sexually transmitted infections?

No, it won’t prevent chlamydia or other STIs, but it has excellent protection against meningitis. 

Why is it being offered now?  

A vaccination programme has been approved because rates of gonorrhoea are increasing nationally.  It is hoped that the vaccination programme will help reduce the number of new infections of gonorrhoea.  

Is it free and can anyone get the vaccination?  

It’s free, but the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has been specific about who should be offered the vaccine. This is because it will be most effective in groups where rates of gonorrhoea infections are high. In Plymouth we will be offering the vaccination to those most at risk of gonorrhoea. This includes, but is not limited to some gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and trans women.   

How many shots of the vaccine do you need?  

It will be 2 shots with a gap in between of at least 4 weeks. If you’re also having other vaccinations we will try to do these for you in as few appointments as possible. Otherwise, we’ll do your second dose of Bexsero at your next routine appointment. 

When does protection start? 

It takes at least 2 weeks from your second dose for your body to produce enough antibodies to give you a good level of protection. 

Are there any side effects and is it safe?  

The commonest side effects are similar to what you’d expect for other vaccinations such as pain at the injection site, not feeling well, and a headache. But don’t worry you can’t get meningitis from this vaccine.   

Where can I find out more about the MenB vaccine?  

There are a number of helpful resources online that you can read to find out more:

• UKHSA have produced a guide about the vaccine for patients (A guide to the meningitis B vaccine for protection against gonorrhoea)
• The JCVI have published advice on the use of meningococcal b vaccination for the prevention of gonorrhoea JCVI advice on the use of meningococcal B vaccination for the prevention of gonorrhoea – GOV.UK