Adult vaccine

Vaccines for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers are offered vaccines such as hepatitis B, flu, COVID-19 and MMR to protect themselves and their patients.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What it protects against

These vaccines protect healthcare and social care staff, and the vulnerable patients they care for, against infections they may be exposed to or could pass on, including hepatitis B, flu, COVID-19, and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Who it's for

People working in healthcare and some social care roles, especially those in contact with blood, body fluids or vulnerable patients.

How it works

Each vaccine builds protection against its target infection. Hepatitis B protects against exposure to blood, while flu and COVID-19 vaccines reduce the chance of catching and passing on these viruses.

Safety

Safety and side effects

These are routine, well-established vaccines that are safe and well tolerated. Keeping up to date is part of protecting both staff and the people in their care.

Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.

Answers

Vaccines for Healthcare Workers: frequently asked questions

Why do healthcare workers need hepatitis B vaccine?

Staff who may be exposed to blood and body fluids are at risk of hepatitis B, so vaccination protects them from infection. Their response is often checked with a blood test to confirm protection.

Why is flu vaccination encouraged for NHS staff?

Vaccinating staff reduces the chance of them catching flu and passing it to vulnerable patients, helping protect patients and keep services running through winter.

Related

Other adult vaccines

Pneumococcal VaccineThe pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia…Shingles VaccineThe shingles vaccine protects older adults against shingles — a painful rash caused by the…Hepatitis B VaccineThe hepatitis B vaccine protects against a serious liver infection spread through blood an…RSV VaccineThe RSV vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of chest infe…Mpox VaccineThe mpox vaccine helps protect against mpox (formerly monkeypox), a viral infection causin…Vaccines for Older AdultsOlder adults are offered several vaccines — including flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, shingle…

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — Vaccinations
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
  • WHO — immunization

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