Immunisations

This NHS vaccination webpage can help you understand the vaccines offered in the UK and when to have them. It also explains how they work and why they're safe and important. There is also separate information on:

• coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations

• travel vaccinations

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases. They prevent up to 3 million deaths worldwide every year and are the most effective way to protect ourselves and our children against ill health.

They do:

• protect you and your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases

• protect other people in your community – by helping to stop diseases spreading to people who cannot have vaccines

• undergo rigorous safety testing before being introduced – they’re also constantly monitored for side effects after being introduced

• sometimes cause mild side effects that will not last long – some children may feel a bit unwell and have a sore arm for 2 or 3 days

• reduce or even get rid of some diseases – if enough people are vaccinated

They don't:

• do not cause autism – studies have found no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism

• do not overload or weaken the immune system – it's safe to give children several vaccines at a time and this reduces the amount of injections they need

• do not cause allergies or any other conditions – all the current evidence tells us that vaccinating is safer than not vaccinating

• do not contain mercury (thiomersal)

• do not contain any ingredients that cause harm in such small amounts – but speak to your doctor if you have any known allergies such as eggs or gelatine

Please check the NHS vaccination schedule to make sure you receive your vaccinations on time. Different vaccines are available for:

• Babies under 1 year olds

• Children aged 1 to 15

• Adults

• Pregnant women

• Extra vaccines for at-risk people (some vaccines are only available on the NHS for groups of people who need extra protection).

If you or your child have missed a vaccine, you can contact your GP to catch up.