Appendix 2: Immunisations
This appendix gives information on live immunisations and non-live immunisations that may have been received by potential donors. For each immunisation, the requirement of a minimum deferral period is indicated and where a minimum deferral is required, this is given in days.
Please note, for the calculation of deferral periods, the following definitions apply:
- Day 0 is the day of immunisation
- Day 1 commences at one minute past midnight on the day after immunisation
The minimum deferral period after immunisation applies to donors who have not been exposed to the infection. For post-exposure immunisation, refer to the relevant guideline entry.
| Disease | Comments and example adult preparations | Immunisation type | Minimum deferral |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anthrax |
Rarely given |
No |
|
|
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 |
See below |
|
Cholera |
Vaxchora® |
28 days |
|
|
Cholera |
Dukoral® |
No |
|
|
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) |
All COVID-19 vaccines licensed in the UK are non-live |
No |
|
|
Dengue |
Qdenga®, Dengvaxia® |
28 days |
|
|
Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) |
Menitorex® |
No |
|
|
Hepatitis A |
May be combined with typhoid or hepatitis B.
|
14 days |
|
|
Hepatitis B |
May be combined with hepatitis A. If unexposed and more than 14 days from last immunisation, accept (see Hepatitis B). Engerix®, Fendrix®, HBvaxPRO®, PreHevBri®, Ambirix®, Twinrix® |
14 days |
|
|
Human papillomavirus (HPV) |
Cervarix®, Gardasil® |
No |
|
|
Influenza, intra-nasal |
Given by intra-nasal spray, from 2 to 18 years of age. Fluenz Tetra® |
28 days |
|
|
Influenza, injection |
This is the annual 'flu jab', given by injection. Several preparations, updated annually. |
No |
|
|
Japanese encephalitis |
Usually given for travel. Ixiaro® |
14 days |
|
|
Measles, mumps, rubella |
This is the 'MMR' vaccine. M-M-RvaxPro®, Priorix® |
28 days |
|
|
Meningitis |
|
No |
|
|
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). |
No |
|
|
Pertussis |
Usually given to pregnant women, in combination with diphtheria/tetanus/polio vaccine or diphtheria/tetanus vaccine. |
No |
|
|
Pneumococcal disease |
Usually given to people with specific risks (e.g. people who have had a splenectomy, people over 65). Pneumovax 23® |
No |
|
|
Polio, injected |
Usually given in combination with other vaccines including (depending on the preparation) diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae. |
No |
|
|
Polio, oral |
Not in routine use in the UK but may be given abroad |
28 days |
|
|
Rabies |
Usually given to non-exposed individuals if occupation or activity has an exposure risk, or for some travellers to endemic areas. Rabipur®, Verorab® |
No |
|
|
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) |
Abrysvo®, Arexvy® |
No |
|
|
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 |
See below |
|
Shingles |
Zostavax® for shingles prevention |
28 days |
|
|
Shingles |
Shingrix® for shingles prevention |
No |
|
|
Smallpox |
This requires an 8-week deferral. If given, see Smallpox immunisation. See also Mpox (above). |
56 days |
|
|
Tetanus |
Usually given in combination with other vaccines including (depending on the preparation) diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae. |
No |
|
|
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) |
TicoVac® |
No |
|
|
Tuberculosis |
This is the 'BCG' vaccine |
28 days |
|
|
Typhoid, injected |
|
No |
|
|
Typhoid, oral |
Usually given in capsule form. Vivotif® |
28 days |
|
|
Varicella (chickenpox) |
Usually given to healthcare workers. Varilrix®, Varivax® |
28 days |
|
|
Yellow Fever |
Stamaril® |
28 days |
Last updated in WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 78 (28 August 2025)