Consent Resources

Vaccination and immunisation are slightly different things. Vaccination is the giving of a dose of antigen, for example, intranasally (the children’s ‘flu vaccine) or an intramuscular injection (the baby six-in-one vaccine). Immunisation refers to the process of receiving the vaccine and then becoming immune to the disease following this. Immunity can be developed after having the disease itself, but there is the risk of post-disease sequelae such as Ramsey-Hunt syndrome after ophthalmic shingles or severe epiglottitis with haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Recent stories in the media about some patients suffering blood clots after the Astra-Zeneca v accine for Covid-19 has brought into sharp focus the need for information regarding the risks (and benefits) associated with medical treatment, which should be shared with patients.

A vaccination is no different to any other form of medical treatment when it comes to ensuring you have the patient’s informed consent.