Vaccination and Immunisation

There are lots of things that we can all do to protect ourselves, and our loved ones, from harm and preventable illness. One of the most important ones is to vaccinate yourself and your children against infectious disease.

Many common infections are preventable through vaccination - the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vaccinations prevent 2 to 3 million deaths each year.

Vaccinations and when to have them

It is important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a routine vaccine, contact your GP to catch up. The NHS provides advice about vaccinations and when to have them.

This Infographic from Public Health England also shows how vaccines protect us throughout our lives, from birth to old age.

The childhood vaccination programme starts shortly after a child is born and runs through until children become adolescents, covering a series of injections designed to protect children and young people from as many diseases as possible through as few jabs as possible.

The most significant vaccinations are:

There are 2 additional vaccinations that are available for older adults to reduce specific risk of diseases that can cause them serious harm:

It is also recommended to get the flu jab and COVID vaccination, if you are eligible.

For travel vaccinations contact your GP surgery, for more information visit National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).