Vaccinations
Find out about COVID-19, flu, RSV, MMR and whooping cough vaccinations.
About 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.
COVID-19 vaccinations
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:
- frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book
You will be contacted by your GP to book your appointment.
Flu vaccination
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.
Where you can get your flu vaccination
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.
When you can get your vaccination and who can get it
From 1 September 2024 flu vaccinations will be available for:
- those who are pregnant
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
- all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
- school-aged children - from reception to Year 11 - will mainly be offered their flu vaccinations at school
From 3 October 2024 flu vaccinations will be available for:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter 19)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including, those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
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.
Getting a flu vaccine that doesn’t contain pork ingredients
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.
RSV vaccinations
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.
Whooping cough
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.
Signs and symptoms
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.
MMR vaccine
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.
Check if your family is up-to-date on the MMR vaccine
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.