Immunisations and vaccinations
Immunisation is a way of protecting you against serious infectious diseases. Once we have been immunised, our bodies are better able to fight those diseases if we come into contact with them.
It's important you ensure that you and your children take up routine vaccinations when offered (and in a timely way), to protect you and your children against certain illnesses. For more information on vaccination advice for parents, visit the NHS website.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free in the UK and available to everyone aged 5 and over. Getting the vaccine and any boosters is the best way to protect yourself and others.
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine that can prevent measles. The vaccine is free and offered to all children in the UK.
The polio virus has recently been discovered in wastewater in London. In order to try and reduce the risk of the virus spreading, the NHS in London is advising all London children aged 1 to 9-years-old get a booster dose of a polio-containing vaccine
During winter, it's important to have your flu vaccination to help protect you and those around you from serious illness.
If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. The vaccination is available to those aged 65 years-old and over or aged 50 years-old with a weakened immune system.
RSV is a respiratory virus that is common over the winter period, typically November to February and it's important to get vaccinated if you're offered this.