Immunisation and vaccination

Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions in UK therefore following the UKHSA and NHS guidelines ensures that individuals receive the necessary vaccinations to stay healthy and contribute to community-wide health protection.

Please visit NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS (www.nhs.uk) for an overview of the NHS recommended vaccines and the ages at which they should be administered.

MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine is a combined immunisation that protects against three infectious diseases: measles, mumps and rubella (German measles).

The MMR vaccine is a safe, effective and essential part of the UK’s immunisation schedule and does not only safeguard individual health but also contributes to broader public health by preventing the spread of these contagious diseases.

The vaccine is given in two doses to ensure full immunity:

First dose: Age 1 year old

Second dose: Age 3 years and 4 months

How to get the vaccine

  1. Receive an invitation: Parents will typically receive an invitation from their local GP practice or child health clinic when it’s time for the child’s vaccinations usually via text message, letter, phone call or email.
  2. Book an appointment: Contact your GP practice to schedule the vaccination appointment.
  3. Check School Programs: For older children and adolescents that missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccines check school programs as some schools may offer catch-up vaccination programmes.

Speak to a GP about getting vaccinated if you did not have it as a child, you only had 1 dose or you're not sure if you've been fully vaccinated.

Click below links for more information about the MMR vaccine:

Winter vaccinations and winter health

During the winter months you can protect your health by staying vaccinated to boost your immunity and stay well this winter. For more information on winter preparedness and who’s eligible for winter vaccinations please visit Winter vaccinations and winter health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Flu vaccine

The flu vaccine helps reduce the number of hospital admissions and alleviates the burden on the NHS, especially during the winter months.

Vaccination is important because the virus can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and can be particularly dangerous for certain high-risk groups which include pregnant women, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

For the Winter 2024 programme the eligible groups for a free NHS flu vaccine include:

  • Anyone aged 65 and over.
  • Individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, kidney disease, liver diseases and chronic respiratory diseases.
  • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy.
  • Carers and health workers.
  • People in Long-Stay Residential care.
  • Children ages 2 to 3.
  • School children reception to Year 11.
  • Some secondary school children.
  • Children with certain medical conditions that put them at greater risk from flu.

How to get the vaccine:

  1. Book an appointment with your GP surgery.
  2. Pharmacies.
  3. School vaccination program.
  4. Community clinics.
  5. Maternity services if you are pregnant.

For more information and guidelines on the flu vaccine please visit Flu - NHS (www.nhs.uk) for adults please visit this NHS website Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk) and for children please visit this website Children's flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk).

HPV Vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps protect against HPV and is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.

Most types of HPV are harmless, but some are associated with a higher risk of developing certain cancers.

Eligible groups:

  • Children aged 12 to 13.
  • Men under 45 who have sex with other man.
  • Other people at higher risk of HPV.

For more information on the HPV vaccine please see HPV vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)