Vaccination (also known as immunisation) is one of the most effective ways to protect people from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
Vaccines used by the NHS are safe, effective, and carefully tested before they are offered. They help protect individuals, their families, and the wider community.
What is immunisation?
Immunisation is the process of protecting people against infectious diseases through vaccination.
Vaccines work by teaching your immune system how to fight specific infections. If you are exposed to the disease in the future, your body can respond quickly and reduce the risk of serious illness.
Why vaccinations are important
Vaccinations:
Protect you from serious illnesses such as measles, flu, COVID-19, and meningitis
Reduce the spread of infections to others
Help protect people who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies or those with weakened immune systems
Have saved millions of lives worldwide
Vaccines available on the NHS
The NHS offers a wide range of vaccines at different stages of life.
Babies and children
Children are offered routine vaccinations from birth to protect them against serious diseases such as:
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio
Whooping cough
Meningitis
These are usually given at GP practices or through school vaccination programmes.
Children and young people
School-age children and teenagers may be offered vaccines such as:
HPV (human papillomavirus)
Teenage booster vaccinations
Parents and carers will usually receive information from schools or local NHS services.
Adults
Adults may be offered vaccinations including:
Seasonal flu vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine
Shingles vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
Eligibility depends on age, health conditions, and other factors.
Pregnancy
Some vaccines are recommended during pregnancy to protect both the parent and baby, including:
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Flu
COVID-19
Your midwife or GP can advise you.
Who should get vaccinated
Vaccination is recommended for:
Babies, children, and young people
Adults at different life stages
Pregnant people
Older adults
People with long-term health conditions
Carers and healthcare workers
Eligibility can change, so always check the most up-to-date advice.
Vaccine safety
All vaccines used by the NHS:
Are thoroughly tested before being approved
Continue to be monitored for safety and effectiveness
Meet strict UK safety standards
Vaccines do not cause the diseases they protect against.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common side effects include:
A sore or swollen arm
Feeling tired
A mild fever
Headache
Serious side effects are very rare. If you are worried after having a vaccine, contact your GP, NHS 111, or seek urgent help if symptoms are severe.
How to get vaccinated
You may be invited for vaccination by:
Your GP practice
The NHS App
A local vaccination clinic
A pharmacy
A school vaccination programme
Some vaccines require an appointment, while others may be available as walk-in clinics.
Missed or late vaccinations
If you or your child have missed a vaccination:
It is usually possible to catch up
You do not need to restart the course
Contact your GP practice for advice
It is never too late to protect yourself.
Common questions and concerns
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines offered by the NHS have been shown to be safe and effective through extensive testing and ongoing monitoring.
Do vaccines overload the immune system?
No. The immune system can safely handle vaccines alongside everyday exposure to germs.
Can vaccines cause autism?
No. There is no credible evidence linking vaccines with autism.
Further information
For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit:
NHS.uk immunisation and vaccination pages
Speak to your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist
Accessibility and support
If you need:
Information in another language
Easy read or large print versions
An interpreter
Please contact your GP practice or local NHS service for support.
