Vaccination is different from giving medicine to an unwell person to make them better. The benefits of vaccination are invisible. The idea is that you or your child won't become ill from the disease that the vaccine prevents.
All medicines have side effects, however, vaccines are among the safest medicines and the benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risk of side effects. They're not 100% effective in every person, but they're the best defence against the epidemics that used to kill or permanently disable millions of children and adults.
For Routine Vaccinations
A checklist of the vaccines that are routinely offered to everyone in the UK free of charge on the NHS, and the ages at which they should ideally be given, can be found on the NHS website.
The list includes vaccines for special groups and travel vaccines available free on the NHS.
Adult Immunisations
Most adults between the ages of 18 and 65 do not normally need vaccines unless they are at greater risk of contracting a specific disease. This risk can be increased due to occupation, pregnancy, illness, treatment for certain conditions, a suppressed immune system, injury or travelling to areas where diseases are more prevalent. People over the age of 65 are also considered to be an "at risk" group.
The vaccines available for "at risk" people include Flu, Chickenpox, BCG (TB), Hepatitis B, MMR (for non-immune adults) and MenACWY (for students).
Vaccinations for pregnant women include Whooping cough and DTaP/IPV (4-in-1 diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio). For further information about vaccinations during pregnancy please visit the NHS website.
The vaccines available for over 65s include Pneumococcal PPV vaccine and the annual Flu vaccine.
There is also an additional Shingles vaccine for over 70s.
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Flu Vaccines
Many adults, most children and all pregnant women are eligible for a free flu vaccine. Find out who is eligible and where you can get the flu vaccine at https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/.
Children's Immunisations
All medicines have side effects. However, vaccines are among the safest and the benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risk of side effects.
Having a vaccination is much safer than not having one. They're not 100% effective in every child, but they're the best defence against the epidemics that used to kill or permanently disable millions of children and adults.
When you're considering a vaccination for yourself or your child, it's natural to focus on the potential side effects. But a better approach is to try to balance the benefits of having a vaccine against the chances of harm. Further information about vaccinations can be found on the NHS website.
Specific information about side effects of vaccines and medicines can be found via pharmaceutical company websites or patient information leaflets. If you do not have the patient information leaflet, you can view one via the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).
If you think that you or someone you are with may be having a serious allergic reaction to a medicine, phone 999 and ask for immediate medical help.
Contact your GP or pharmacist immediately if:
- you think you have a side effect that is listed as severe in your medicine's patient information leaflet (PIL)
- you have a side effect you think is serious
You don't need to see your GP with mild side effects, such as nausea, if you feel you can manage these on your own. Your pharmacist should also be able to tell you if the side effects need further investigation by your GP.
If you have questions or concerns before a vaccination, speak to your GP or health professional.
