Adult Vaccinations
Flu and Covid vaccines
Please visit our dedicated page for the latest information on Flu and Covid vaccines
Pneumonia (Pneumococcal) Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. It's recommended for people at higher risk of these illnesses, such as babies and adults aged 65 and over.
What the pneumococcal vaccine is for
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against some types of bacterial infections that can cause serious illnesses like:
- meningitis (an infection in the brain and spinal cord)
- sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection)
- pneumonia (an infection in the lungs)
It can also help protect against other illnesses such as sinusitis and ear infections.
Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for babies, older people, and people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections.
| Who should have it | How many doses |
|---|---|
|
Babies |
1st dose at 12 weeks and a booster dose at 1 year |
|
People aged 65 and over |
1 dose when you're 65 |
|
Children and adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill |
At least 1 dose (some people may need extra doses or regular doses) |
Contact your GP surgery if you or your child have missed a pneumococcal vaccination.
Who's at higher risk of getting seriously ill?
You're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from pneumococcal infections if you have:
- sickle cell disease, coeliac disease, problems with your spleen or you've had your spleen removed
- a long-term condition that affects your breathing such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
- a long-term condition that affects your heart such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- a long-term condition that affects your liver such as cirrhosis
- diabetes
- a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV, or a treatment such as steroid medicine or chemotherapy
- a condition where fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord leaks out (cerebrospinal fluid leaks)
- cochlear implants
Who cannot have the pneumococcal vaccine
Most people can have the pneumococcal vaccine if they need it, including if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
Getting vaccinated if you're unwell
If you or your child have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine.Some welders and metal workers who are exposed to metal fumes at work should also have the vaccine. Check with your employer if you think you may need it.
Pneumococcal vaccine ingredients
There are 2 types of pneumococcal vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflets:
- Pneumovax pneumococcal vaccine patient leaflet (Electronic Medicines Compendium website) – usually given to adults and children over 2
- Prevenar pneumococcal vaccine patient leaflet (Electronic Medicines Compendium website; PDF only, 121kb) – usually given to babies under 2
How to get the pneumococcal vaccine
Your GP surgery will usually contact you if you or your child are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine. This will usually be by letter, text, phone call or email.
If you are a welder or metal worker, speak to your employer about getting the vaccine.
Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine
Like all medicines, the pneumococcal vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine include:
- swelling or pain where the injection was given
- a high temperature
- feeling tired
- loss of appetite
Babies and children may also feel a bit unwell and irritable.
You can give them child's paracetamol or child's ibuprofen to ease any symptoms.
Check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your baby:
- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
- is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a high temperature
- has a seizure (fit)
- is unwell and you're worried about them
Allergic reactions
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are very rare and usually happen within minutes.
The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
How well the pneumococcal vaccine works and how long it lasts
Vaccination gives the best protection against pneumococcal infections.
It helps protect against the most common and serious types of these infections, but there's still a chance you might get a pneumococcal infection.
You usually have some protection by about 3 weeks from when you had the vaccine.
Most adults only need 1 dose of the vaccine for long-term protection. Most babies need 2 doses to protect them.
Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It's recommended for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system.
What the shingles vaccine is for
Shingles is a common condition that causes a painful rash. It can sometimes lead to serious problems such as long-lasting pain, hearing loss or blindness.
You're more likely to get shingles, and it's more likely to cause serious problems, as you get older or if you have a severely weakened immune system.
The shingles vaccine helps:
- reduce your chances of getting shingles
- reduce your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shingles
Who should have the shingles vaccine
The shingles vaccine is recommended for some older adults and people with a severely weakened immune system.
People who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023
From 1 September 2023, you're eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 65.
You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.
Your GP should contact you to make an appointment to have your shingles vaccine. Contact your GP surgery if you think you're eligible for the shingles vaccine and you've not been contacted about it.
You'll remain eligible until your 80th birthday (but you can have your 2nd dose up until your 81st birthday).
People aged 70 to 79
Everyone aged 70 to 79 is eligible for the shingles vaccine.
You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.
Contact your GP surgery if you missed your vaccine. You're eligible up until your 80th birthday (but you can have your 2nd dose up until your 81st birthday).
People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system
You're eligible for the shingles vaccine if you're aged 50 or over and you're at higher risk from shingles because you have a severely weakened immune system.
This includes:
- some people with blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
- some people with HIV or AIDS
- some people who've recently had a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or an organ transplant
- people taking certain medicines that severely weaken the immune system
You'll be given 2 doses of the shingles vaccine. These are given between 8 weeks and 6 months apart.
Ask your GP or care team if you're not sure if you're eligible for the shingles vaccine.
You can get shingles more than once, so it's important to get vaccinated even if you've had shingles before.
Who cannot have the shingles vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the shingles vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or an ingredient in the vaccine.
Getting vaccinated if you're unwell
If you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to do your normal activities, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine.
Shingles vaccine ingredients
There is 1 type of shingles vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflet:
How to get the shingles vaccine
Your GP surgery will usually contact you when you become eligible for the shingles vaccine. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone or email.
Sometimes you might be offered the vaccine during a GP appointment you're having for another reason.
Having the shingles vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
You can usually have the shingles vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
Side effects of the shingles vaccine
They can include:
- swelling, itchiness, bruising or pain where the injection was given
- a headache
- an aching body
- feeling tired
- a high temperature
- shivering (chills)
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine - Adults aged 75-79 years old
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. RSV infections usually get better by themselves, but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults. 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 the RSV vaccine is for
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.
If you're aged 80 or over
If you turned 80 after 1 September 2024, you're eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31 August 2025.
You're not eligible for the RSV vaccine if you turned 80 on or before 1 September 2024.
How the RSV vaccine is given
The RSV vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm.
Unlike some vaccines (such as flu or COVID-19 vaccines), the RSV vaccine is given all year round.
Having the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
If you're pregnant, you can have the RSV vaccine at the same time as other pregnancy vaccines, such as the whooping cough and flu vaccines.
But it's best to have them as soon as they're offered rather than waiting to have them at the same time.
If you're aged 75 to 79, the RSV vaccine is not usually given at the same appointment as your flu or COVID-19 vaccines, but you can have them at the same time if a doctor or nurse thinks it's needed.
You can have it at the same time as other vaccines, such as the shingles and pneumococcal vaccines.
Who cannot have the RSV vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the RSV vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
Getting vaccinated if you're unwell
If you have a high temperature, wait until you're feeling better before having the vaccine. Contact your GP surgery or maternity service to rearrange your appointment.
RSV vaccine ingredients
There is 1 type of RSV vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflet:
Abrysvo RSV vaccine patient leaflet (Electronic Medicines Compendium website)
Side effects of the RSV vaccine
The most common side effects of the RSV vaccine are mild and do not last long.
They can include:
- swelling or pain where the injection was given
- a headache
- an aching body
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
There have been very rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (a condition that affects the nerves) in older adults who've had the RSV vaccine. But overall it's safer for you to have the vaccine than risk having a potentially serious RSV infection.
Talk to your doctor or the person vaccinating you if you're worried about side effects.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine - PREGNANT WOMEN OVER 28 WEEKS
Download the leaflet here
What is RSV and why do we need to protect babies from it?
Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a common virus which can cause a lung infection called bronchiolitis. In small babies this condition can make it hard to breathe and to feed. Most cases can be managed at home but around 20,000 infants are admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis each year in England. Infants with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal. RSV is more likely to be serious in very young babies, those born prematurely, and those with conditions that affect their heart, breathing or immune system.
RSV infections can occur all year round but cases peak every winter.
How is RSV spread?
RSV is highly infectious and spreads easily, particularly among children, through coughing and sneezing. Even with simple measures such as hand-washing and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, it is difficult to avoid spreading the infection within the family. The best way to protect your baby against RSV infection is for you to have the vaccine during pregnancy.
How effective is the RSV vaccine?
The vaccine boosts your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus. These antibodies then pass through the placenta to help protect your baby from the day they are born. RSV vaccination reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first 6 months of life.
After this age your baby is at much lower risk of severe RSV. Older children and adults can also get RSV infection, but the disease is more serious for small babies and people aged 75 and over.
When should I get vaccinated?
You should be offered it around the time of your 28 week antenatal appointment. If you haven’t heard by this stage, contact your maternity service or GP practice to make an appointment. Having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this will help you build a good level of antibodies to pass on to your baby before birth. This will give your baby the best protection, including if they are born early.
You can still have the vaccine later in your pregnancy but it may be less effective. If it wasn’t possible to have your vaccine earlier, it can be given right up until you have the baby. If you have it very late in pregnancy, it may still protect you from infection and reduce the risk of you spreading infection to your newborn baby.
How is it given and what are the side effects?
The vaccine is a single injection in your upper arm.
Side effects are usually mild. These can include:
• headache
• muscle ache
• soreness, redness or swelling at the site of the injection
For more information, please click here. If you have further questions, please speak to your midwife or GP.
Whooping Cough Vaccine
Whooping cough (pertussis) rates have risen recently. Babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk.
Whooping cough can be serious for babies and may lead to complications resulting in hospitalisation and even death.
Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated.
You should usually have the whooping cough vaccine around the time of your mid-pregnancy scan (usually at 20 weeks pregnant), but you can have it from 16 weeks.
To help give the best protection to your baby, you should have the vaccine before 32 weeks. If you miss out, you can still have the vaccine later.
Why are pregnant women advised to have the whooping cough vaccine?
Getting vaccinated while you're pregnant is highly effective in protecting your baby from developing whooping cough in the first few weeks of their life.
The immunity you get from the vaccine will pass to your baby through the placenta and provide passive protection for them until they are old enough to be routinely vaccinated against whooping cough at 8 weeks old.
When should I have the whooping cough vaccine?
You usually have the whooping cough vaccine at 20 weeks pregnant, but you can have it from 16 weeks.
If you are 20 weeks pregnant and have not been offered the whooping cough vaccine, contact your midwife or GP surgery.
To give your baby the best protection against whooping cough, you should have the vaccine before 32 weeks of pregnancy. This maximises the chance that your baby will be protected from birth, through the transfer of your antibodies before they are born.
If for any reason you miss having the vaccine before 32 weeks, you can have it later, even after you give birth. However, this is not ideal, as your baby is less likely to get protection from you. At this stage, having the vaccination may not directly protect your baby, but would help protect you from whooping cough and from passing it on to your baby.
Is the whooping cough vaccine safe in pregnancy?
There's no evidence to suggest that the whooping cough vaccine is unsafe for you or your unborn baby.
Pertussis-containing vaccine (whooping cough vaccine) has been used routinely in pregnant women in the UK since October 2012. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) carefully monitors the ongoing safety of all medicines.
The MHRA's study of around 20,000 vaccinated women published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found no evidence of risks to pregnancy or babies.
A number of other countries, including the US, Argentina, Belgium, Spain, Australia and New Zealand, recommend vaccination against whooping cough in pregnancy.
Read more about why vaccinations are important and the safest way to protect you and your baby.
Is whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy working?
Yes, it is. Published research from the UK vaccination programme shows that vaccinating pregnant women against whooping cough has been highly effective in protecting young babies until they can have their first vaccination when they are 8 weeks old.
An additional benefit is that the protection the mother receives from the vaccination will lower her own risk of infection and of passing whooping cough on to her baby.
Which whooping cough vaccine will I be given?
There is no whooping cough-only vaccine. You'll be offered a vaccine that also protects against other illnesses.
You'll usually be offered a vaccine called ADACEL that protects against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus.
If the ADACEL vaccine is not available or suitable for you, you'll be offered a vaccine called Boostrix IPV that protects against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and polio.
Find out more about the ADACEL and Boostrix IPV vaccines:
What are the side effects of the whooping cough vaccine?
After having the whooping cough vaccine, you may have some mild side effects such as swelling, redness or tenderness where the vaccine is injected in your upper arm. This is normal after having a vaccine and it should only last a few days.
Other side effects can include a high temperature, irritation at the injection site, nausea and loss of appetite, tiredness and headache. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough (medically known as pertussis) is a serious infection that causes long bouts of coughing and choking, making it hard to breathe. The "whoop" is caused by gasping for breath after each bout of coughing, though babies do not always make this noise.
Read more about whooping cough.
Should I be concerned about whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a highly infectious, serious illness that can lead to pneumonia and brain damage, particularly in young babies. Most babies with whooping cough will need hospital treatment, and when whooping cough is very severe they may die.
Research from the vaccination programme in England shows that vaccinating pregnant women against whooping cough has been highly effective in protecting young babies until they can receive their own vaccinations from 8 weeks of age.
Babies can be infected by people with whooping cough in these older age groups, so it is still important for pregnant women to be vaccinated to protect their babies.
Are babies not vaccinated against whooping cough to protect them?
Yes, usually at 8 weeks old, but the babies that have been getting whooping cough are generally too young to have started their normal vaccinations, so they are not yet protected against the illness.
How can I protect my baby against whooping cough?
The only way you can help protect your baby from getting whooping cough in their first few weeks after birth is by having the whooping cough vaccination yourself while you are pregnant (before 32 weeks for the best protection).
After vaccination, your body produces antibodies to protect against whooping cough. You will then pass some immunity to your unborn baby.
Will the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy give me whooping cough?
No. The whooping cough vaccine is not a "live" vaccine. This means it does not contain whooping cough (or polio, diphtheria or tetanus), and cannot cause whooping cough in you, or in your baby.
Will my baby still need to be vaccinated against whooping cough at 8 weeks if I've had the vaccine while pregnant?
Yes. Whenever you have the whooping cough vaccine, your baby will still need to be vaccinated according to the normal NHS vaccination schedule when they reach 8 weeks old. Babies are protected against whooping cough by the 6-in-1 vaccine.
Can I have the whooping cough vaccine at the same time as the flu jab?
Yes, you can have the whooping cough vaccine when you get the flu vaccine, but do not delay either vaccine so that you can have both at the same time.
How can I get the whooping cough vaccination?
The vaccine is available from your GP, though some antenatal clinics may also offer it.
You're usually offered the vaccination around the time of your mid-pregnancy scan at 20 weeks pregnant, but you can have it from 16 weeks of your pregnancy. You may be offered the vaccination at a routine antenatal appointment.
If you are 20 weeks pregnant and have not been offered the vaccine, talk to your midwife or GP and make an appointment to get vaccinated.
I was vaccinated against whooping cough as a child, do I need to get vaccinated again?
Yes, because any protection you may have had through either having whooping cough or being vaccinated when you were young is likely to have worn off and will not provide sufficient protection for your baby.
I was vaccinated against whooping cough in a previous pregnancy, do I need to be vaccinated again?
Yes, you should get re-vaccinated at 20 weeks in each pregnancy to maximise protection for your baby.
How do I spot whooping cough in my baby?
Be alert to the signs and symptoms of whooping cough, which include severe coughing fits that may be accompanied by difficulty breathing (or pauses in breathing in young infants) or vomiting after coughing, and the characteristic "whoop" sound. Young babies might not make the "whoop" sound.
If you are worried your baby may have whooping cough, contact your doctor immediately.
More information
Page created: 03 July 2023
