Patient Information:  Know your Vaccines

Influenza (flu) vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening for some, particularly those with certain health conditions.  Getting vaccinated helps protect individuals from flu and relieves the pressure on the NHS and social care services.

In the UK, the flu vaccination season typically starts in September and runs until March, with the main push for vaccinations occurring between September and early December. This ensures people are protected before flu activity peaks, usually between December and March.

We want to thank patients who have taken up the offer of a free seasonal flu vaccine during  Winter 2024/25.

Please note that this season’s programme has finished, and details of the 2025/26 programme will be published on this website and social media accounts in late summer/early autumn 2025.

The NHS encourages eligible groups—such as older adults, pregnant women, young children, those with certain health conditions and carers—to get vaccinated as early as possible in the season.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It's recommended during pregnancy and for adults aged 75 to 79.

What does the RSV vaccine do?

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life.

It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses such as:

• pneumonia (a lung infection)
• bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies)

These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.

Getting RSV can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Who should have the RSV vaccine?

The RSV vaccine is recommended if:

• you're pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they're born
• you're aged 75 to 79

If you're aged 80 or over

You're not eligible for the RSV vaccine if you turned 80 on or before 1 September 2024.  However, if you turned 80 after 1 September 2024, you're eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31 August 2025.

Our Other Vaccination Services

Protection against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections.

The eligibility for a free NHS Shingles vaccine changed from the 1st of September 2023

The Shingles vaccine helps protect you from shingles, a common, painful skin disease.

Previously, you could only have the shingles vaccine between the ages of 70 and 79. However anyone turning 65 on or after the 1^st of September 2023 is able to get the vaccine after their birthday.

Please note that if you have your 65th birthday before the 1st of September 2023, you will have to wait until you are 70 to become eligible.  Eligibility will then be expanded to include everyone aged 60 and over by September 2033.

Follow this link to download and view the NHS Shingles Vaccination expansion programme schedule for information on when your age group will become eligible>>

From September, the shingles vaccine will also be available to those aged 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system.  Immunocompromised individuals who have already received 2 doses of their Shingles Vaccine do not need re-vaccination.

You do not need to get in touch with us to request a shingles vaccine as patients are contacted  when they become eligible.  However if you are eligible and think you may have missed your vaccine, please contact us>>

The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm. Unlike the flu jab, you’ll only need to have the vaccination once, and you can have it at any time of the year.  

For more information visit the Shingles vaccine overview page on the NHS website>>

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.

It protects against 3 serious illnesses:

• measles
• mumps
• rubella (german measles)

These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people.  In particular, measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases with estimates showing that one infected adult or child can pass the disease onto around 15 other unvaccinated people.

Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

2 doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

Follow this link to visit the NHS website for information on how to check if you or your child has measles>>

Childhood immunisation is an important aspect of your child's healthcare.  For information on routine childhood immunisation, please visit our Children's Health page by following this link:>>

Foreign travel may expose patients to certain infections.  So, If you're planning to travel outside the UK, find out what vaccinations you might need on our Travel Health page by following this link:>>

A rare but life-threatening disease caused by meningococcal bacteria.