The NHS provides a complete programme of vaccinations routinely offered to everyone in the UK for free on the NHS starting for children age 2 up to the age of 18 and continuing in later life for adults aged 65 and over.
Vaccination (or Immunisation) is one of the most effective and safe ways to protect yourself and other people against serious disease.
Most vaccinations are given by injection and are often given more than once to make sure the protection continues. This is known as a booster immunisation. Children usually need booster immunisations when they have reached pre-school age (five years old), and again before they leave school (between 13 and 18 years of age).
Full details of the NHS vaccination schedule can be found at the NHS website with associated detailed information about each vaccination. A schedule of the vaccinations offered and dates to have them is available at this link. You are advised to adhere to the correct immunisation dates because the earlier your child is immunised the better protected they are.
Vaccinations for Children
The NHS vaccination schedule for children is part of the NHS Baby Review Programme. Shortly before or after your baby was born, you will have been given a Personal Child Health Record (PCHR), often called "the red book". Details of all vaccinations will be recorded in your child's PCHR and it is important you keep it in a safe place and ensure that it is kept up to date.
The information contained in your child's PCHR can be important in later on in life, to check whether boosters are needed or checking if vaccination for travel purposes is required.
Vaccinations available for adults
Vaccinations available for adults include winter flu, and for certain age groups, shingles and pneumonia.
- Flu Vaccine
Flu vaccine is offered every year by the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu. Details of the the flu vaccination program can be found at this link.
Flu vaccine is also available for children in the form of a nasal spray vaccine. More information is available at this link.
A complete guide to Flu Vaccination 2023/24 is available from UK Health Security Agency at this link.
People with dementia, are more at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and needing hospital treatment. More information is available from Alzheimers.org.uk.
- Shingles Vaccine
Details of the shingles vaccine and who should have it are available at this link.
- Pneumonia Vaccine
Details of the pneumonia vaccine and who should have it are available at this link.
Further Advice
Vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety before they become routinely available but if you have any concerns over the risks or side effects, go to the following link:
For further advice on immunisations contact your GP, health visitor, practice nurse or school nurse.
COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination is only available to children aged 6 months to 4 years old who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
You may be able to receive seasonal COVID-19 vaccine in autumn 2023 if you are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 due to a health condition or your age. You will be contacted by the NHS if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible.
Full details of COVID-19 vaccination is availabe at the following links:
Autumn/winter 2023 COVID vaccine booster
This autumn a COVID-19 vaccine booster is being offered to:
- anyone in a 'clinical risk group', as laid out in the government's immunisation 'Green Book'. That can include people with MS. The NHS should be in touch if that includes you.
- people aged 65 and over
- care home residents
- people who are pregnant
- people with a weakened immune system, and any household contacts who are 12 or older
- unpaid carers aged 16 and over
- frontline health and social care workers
Full details are available at the following links:
Travelling abroad
Vaccinations are also available for when you travel abroad. For more details go to MAG-HEALTHCARE ABROAD.
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