Vaccinations

A vaccination (vaccine) helps protect you from serious illness.
Vaccines are safe and used all over the UK.

Vaccines are free from the National Health Service (NHS).

You need to register with a GP (doctor).

A GP is your local doctor.
You must register at a GP surgery near your home.

Find out how to register for a GP.

After you register:

• You can book an appointment.
• The nurse or doctor will give you the vaccine.

You do not need to pay.

Children need vaccines to stay healthy.

Important vaccines include:

• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Polio
• Whooping cough
• Meningitis
• HPV (for older children)

Your GP will tell you which vaccines your child needs.

Adults may need:

• Tetanus booster
• Flu vaccine (every year for some people)
• COVID-19 vaccine (when offered)
• Shingles vaccine (for older people)

If you are not sure about your vaccines, speak to your GP.
It is safe to have vaccines again if you are unsure.

Every year, the NHS gives a free flu vaccine to:

• People over 65
• Pregnant women
• People with health problems
• Some children

Ask your GP or local pharmacy.

You can ask for:

• An interpreter
• Information in your language

Tell the GP surgery when you book your appointment.