General vaccinations

MMR

Anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine should ask their GP surgery for a vaccination appointment.

It's important to check you have had both doses if you:

• Are about to start college or university
• Are going to travel abroad
• Are planning a pregnancy
• Are a frontline health or social care worker
• Were born between 1970 and 1979 (as you may have only been vaccinated against measles)
• Were born between 1980 and 1990 (as you may not be protected against mumps)

Shingles vaccine for older people

Shingles can be very painful and uncomfortable. It is also fatal for around 1 in 1,000 over 70s who develop it.

The shingles vaccine reduces your risk of getting it or your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.

You are eligible for the shingles vaccine if you are aged between 70 to 79. It's not available on the NHS for anyone 80 or over due to their reduced effectiveness for this age group. 

Pneumococcal vaccine for older people

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal (also known as pneumonia) infections. It is available to people aged 65 and older.

COVID-19 and flu

Vaccination against COVID-19 and flu is safe and effective. It is the single best way to protect yourself and others against it. This is particularly important if you have a weakened immune system. It's important you get your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations if you're eligible.