Appendix 2: Immunisations

This appendix gives information on live immunisations and non-live immunisations that may have been received by potential donors.

Disease Comments and example adult preparations Immunisation type

Anthrax

Rarely given

Cholera

Two cholera vaccines are available: Vaxchora® and Dukoral®; see rows below. Ensure the correct guidance is applied depending on the vaccine given.

If vaccine name not certain, treat as a live vaccine.

See below

Cholera

Vaxchora®

Cholera

Dukoral®

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

All COVID-19 vaccines licensed in the UK are non-live

Dengue

Qdenga®, Dengvaxia®

Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)

Menitorex®

Hepatitis A

May be combined with typhoid or hepatitis B.

  • Hepatitis A only: Vaqta®, Avaxim®, Havrix®
  • Combined with typhoid: ViATIM®
  • Combined with hepatitis B: Ambirix®, Twinrix®

Hepatitis B

May be combined with hepatitis A. If unexposed and more than 7 days from last immunisation, accept (see Hepatitis B).

Engerix®, Fendrix®, HBvaxPRO®, PreHevBri®, Ambirix®, Twinrix®

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Cervarix®, Gardasil®

Influenza, intra-nasal

Given by intra-nasal spray, from 2 to 18 years of age.

Fluenz Tetra®

Influenza, injection

This is the annual 'flu jab', given by injection.

Several preparations, updated annually.

Japanese encephalitis

Usually given for travel.

Ixiaro®

Measles, mumps, rubella

This is the 'MMR' vaccine.

M-M-RvaxPro®, Priorix®

Meningitis
  • Meningococcal group C: NeisVac-C®, Menjugate Kit®
  • Meningococcal group B: Bexsero®, Trumenba®
  • MenACWY Quadrivalent vaccine: Menveo®, Nimenrix®, MenQuadfi®
  • Combined with H. influenzae type b (Hib): Menitorix®

Mpox

Imvanex® (MVA-BN) is a live attenuated non-replicating smallpox vaccine. It may be used for pre-exposure mpox prophylaxis in healthcare workers or for post-exposure prophylaxis in contacts of mpox cases.

If given for mpox vaccination, treat as a non-live vaccine (see Mpox).

Pertussis

Usually given to pregnant women, in combination with diphtheria/tetanus/polio vaccine or diphtheria/tetanus vaccine.

Pneumococcal disease

Usually given to people with specific risks (e.g. people who have had a splenectomy, people over 65).

Pneumovax 23®

Polio, injected

Usually given in combination with other vaccines including (depending on the preparation) diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae.

Polio, oral

Not in routine use in the UK but may be given abroad

Rabies

Usually given to non-exposed individuals if occupation or activity has an exposure risk, or for some travellers to endemic areas.

Rabipur®, Verorab®

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Abrysvo®, Arexvy®

Shingles

Two shingles vaccines are available: Zostavax® and Shingrix®; see rows below.

Please note, Shingrix® has replaced Zostavax® in the UK vaccination programme for individuals aged 60-79 years.

See below

Shingles

Zostavax® for shingles prevention

Shingles

Shingrix® for shingles prevention

Smallpox

This requires an 8-week deferral. If given, see Smallpox immunisation. See also Mpox (above).

Tetanus

Usually given in combination with other vaccines including (depending on the preparation) diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

TicoVac®

Tuberculosis

This is the 'BCG' vaccine

Typhoid, injected
  • As a single preparation: Typhim Vi®
  • Combined with hepatitis A: ViATIM®

Typhoid, oral

Usually given in capsule form.

Vivotif®

Varicella (chickenpox)

Usually given to healthcare workers.

Varilrix®, Varivax®

Yellow Fever

Stamaril®

Last updated in BM-DSG Edition 203 Release 57 (30 April 2025)