Vaccinations and Immunisations

Active Prevention for a Healthier Life

Winter Vaccinations: Flu and COVID-19

Every year, the NHS offers vaccinations to help protect those most at risk from winter viruses. Protection from these vaccines fades over time, and the viruses themselves change, which is why it is important to get your seasonal “top-up.”

Who is eligible?

You are encouraged to get vaccinated as early as possible in the season if you are:

• An older adult (usually 65 and over).
• Pregnant.
• A young child.
• A carer.
• Living with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).

The Flu Vaccine (Influenza)

For most people, the flu is very unpleasant, but for some, it can be life-threatening.

• When to get it: The season runs from September to March. We aim to vaccinate most people before December, before the flu spreads most widely.
• The Benefit: It protects you from getting seriously ill and helps reduce pressure on the NHS.

The COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 virus can still cause serious illness. Because the virus changes, a seasonal booster is the best way to keep your protection high.

• When to get it: The NHS usually offers these boosters in the Spring and early Winter.
• The Benefit: It significantly reduces your risk of needing to go to the hospital and helps you recover much faster if you do catch the virus.

We publish details of seasonal vaccination arrangements on our website and social media after the NHS confirms vaccine availability each season.

Other Adult Vaccinations

While some vaccines are for everyone, others are offered only to those at higher risk due to their age, job, or health history. All of the vaccines listed below are free on the NHS for those who are eligible.

1. Routine Adult Vaccines

• Pneumococcal Vaccine (PPV): Helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and septicaemia. It is usually offered to adults aged 65 and over, and people with certain long-term health conditions.
• Shingles Vaccine: Helps protect against a painful skin rash. Eligibility is currently expanding to include people aged 65 and over, those aged 70–79, and adults with weakened immune systems.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.  It’s offered on the NHS if you’re pregnant, aged 75 or over, or live in a care home for older adults.

2. Targeted Health Vaccines

• Hepatitis B: Offered to people at higher risk of coming into contact with hepatitis B (for example, through their job or specific health needs).
• HPV Vaccine: While usually given in school, men who have sex with men (MSM) up to the age of 45 are eligible for this vaccine at sexual health clinics.

3. Special Circumstances

• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, you are offered the Whooping Cough (Pertussis) vaccine to protect your baby in their first few weeks of life. You are also eligible for the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
• Travel Vaccines: Some vaccines for travel are free (such as Polio, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A), but many others must be paid for privately.  Visit our Travel Health page for further information.

Find out if you are eligible

Vaccination rules can be complex. To check exactly which vaccines you should have and when, use the official NHS guide:

Check the full NHS vaccination schedule and eligibility guide

Vaccinations for children