Vaccinations
Vaccinations and when to have them
Vaccinations are our best defence against many serious illnesses. It's important that vaccines received on time for the best protection.
For a full NHS vaccination schedule, visit NHS UK (opens new window).
If you or your child miss a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.
Flu vaccinations
Flu can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.
The NHS offers free seasonal flu vaccinations to certain groups. If you're eligible, the best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter.
Find out more about:
Flu vaccination for adults (opens new window)
Flu vaccination for children (opens new window)
COVID-19 vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They have been tested to ensure they offer the best possible protection for you, your family and your community.
You can visit NHS UK (opens new window) to find the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine including:
- who is eligible for vaccination and how many doses they should have
- safety and effectiveness
- side effects
Seasonal COVID-19 vaccine - Autumn 2023
Those at increased risk of severe COVID-19 will be offered a seasonal vaccine between September and December 2023, with those at highest risk being called in first.
You or your child may be offered a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine if you are:
- aged 65 years old or over (you need to be 65 years old by 31 March 2024)
- aged 6 months to 64 years old and are at increased risk
- living in a care home for older adults
- a frontline health or social care worker
- aged 16 to 64 years old and are a carer
- aged 12 to 64 years old and live with someone with a weakened immune system
If you are eligible for a flu vaccine, you may be able to have them at the same time - if not please go ahead anyway, you can catch up with the other vaccine later.
Visit NHS UK (opens new window) to book your appointment. Alternatively, you may be contacted by a local NHS service, such as your GP surgery, to arrange your appointment.
MPox vaccinations
MPox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is caused by a similar virus to smallpox. The smallpox (MVA) vaccine should give a good level of protection against MPox and reduce the severity of the infection.
The NHS is offering smallpox vaccinations to people who are most likely to be exposed to MPox.
Find an MPox Vaccination site on NHS UK (opens new window).
School immunisations
The national immunisation programme aims to give children the best protection against a range of infections and diseases, ensuring that they are protected from infancy, through their teenage years and on to adulthood.
Flu vaccine
The immunisation programme includes the annual flu vaccination for children in reception to year 11 in mainstream schools and up to year 13 in Special Schools.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is now being offered to all children in year 8 to protect against different HPV related cancers. This is now a single dose programme. The 'three in one' teenage booster for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and meningitis ACWY is given to all pupils aged 13-14.
Any young person who has missed any of their teenage vaccinations will be offered these again, either in school or a community clinic.
MMR
MMR vaccinations will also be offered to those children and young people who have not completed the recommended 2 doses of the vaccine. These will be given to children and young people by appointment in community clinics.
Find out more about the school immunisation team (opens new window) and the immunisation programme.