Find out about COVID-19, flu, RSV, MMR and whooping cough vaccinations.
Keeping loved ones safe and protected is everyone’s priority and one of the best ways to protect yourself and others is to be vaccinated.
It's important that you have all the vaccinations you're eligible for.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are safe and effective. They give you the best protection against COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccines are still being offered because viruses change, and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible.
Those eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine are:
You will be contacted by your GP to book your appointment.
Flu spreads more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors. It can easily spread to other people from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
Being healthy doesn’t reduce your risk of getting flu or passing it on. You can have no symptoms but unknowingly spread it to your friends and family.
It is available from GP surgeries and some community pharmacies.
If you're eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination you should book an appointment with your GP or pharmacy as soon as you receive an invitation.
From 1 September 2024 flu vaccinations will be available for:
From 3 October 2024 flu vaccinations will be available for:
Talk to your doctor if you have a long-term condition that is not in one of these groups. They should offer you the flu vaccine if they think you're at risk of serious problems if you get flu.
When you book your appointment, let your GP know that you’d like a non-porcine vaccine.
For more information and/or translated and accessible versions visit GOV.UK to read Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why.
For the first time from September the NHS will also offer vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. In small babies, this condition can make it difficult to breathe and feed.
The vaccination will be available to those aged 75 to 79, and it will be offered to pregnant people from 28 weeks, to protect their child
For more information and/ translated and accessible versions, visit GOV.UK to read a guide to the RSV vaccine for older adults.
As whooping cough cases continue to rise, we are encouraging all pregnant people to get vaccinated ideally between 16 and 32 weeks, but if you’re further along your pregnancy you can still get the vaccine.
Find out more about whooping cough on the 0 to 18 NHS website – information can be translated and read out in a range of languages.
Find out about the signs, symptoms and what to do if you suspect your child may have whooping cough.
If you are worried that your baby may have whooping cough contact your doctor immediately.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious illness for some people, but the good news is that it can be easily prevented through immunisation.
The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS and although it’s usually given to young children, it can be given to all ages.
Information on your child’s immunisations can be found in their red book, given to you by your health visitor or you can keep an online version of the red book.
If you're unsure if you or your family has had the MMR vaccine, contact your GP surgery.
If anyone in your family has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.