Vaccinations for adults & older people
Adults and older people are eligible for the following routine vaccinations:
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines
If you are aged 65 or over or have an underlying health condition, you are eligible for a free NHS seasonal flu vaccine each autumn. This vaccine helps to protect you from flu and common infections linked to flu, and also protects other vulnerable members of your family and wider community.
If you are eligible, you will usually be called to an appointment at your GP surgery in the autumn. Alternatively you can claim your free seasonal flu vaccine at most community pharmacies.
People aged 65 or over, or who have an underlying health condition, may also be eligible for COVID-19 booster vaccines.
Please make sure you take up invitations to receive these vaccines to increase your protection against serious illness.
Pneumococcal (PPV) vaccine
The pneumoococcal vaccine is routinely offered to people aged 65 and over to help to protect them against pneumococcal infection, which can cause serious illnesses such as sepsis and meningitis.
The vaccine will usually offered at your GP surgery.
Shingles vaccine
Older people can be more susceptible to shingles, a painful and itchy reactivation of the virus which causes chicken pox. Shingles can be fatal in a small number of cases.
A vaccine to protect against shingles is available for those most at risk, and is usually delivered at your GP surgery.
The vaccine is offered to everyone after they turn 70 and can be given up to the age of 79. People born on or after September 1 1958 will be offered the vaccine when or shortly after they turn 65.
People aged 50 and over who have a weakened immune system as a result of a health condition or medical treatment will also be offered the vaccine.
Your GP surgery will offer you the vaccine when it is time for you to receive it. You may be offered the vaccine when you visit the surgery for another appointment.
Your RSV vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus affects the chest and lungs, and can cause very serious illness for older people
From September 2024, older people will be offered an RSV vaccine following their 75th birthday. This one-off vaccine will help to protect you from the risk of serious illness caused by RSV.
HPV vaccination
Having the HPV vaccine can help to prevent a range of cancers and genital warts.
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men can access the HPV vaccine through sexual health services up to 45 years of age.
Vaccinations for work
Many workplaces ask employees to make sure they are fully up to date with routine vaccinations to reduce the risk of illness or disease.
Some employers ask workers to have additional vaccinations to increase their protection. Some higher-risk job roles may require further vaccinations.
Advice on which vaccinations are recommended for your job role is available from your employer or occupational health department.
Other vaccinations
People with a range of underlying health conditions or who are exposed to greater risk of disease may require additional vaccinations, or additional doses of some vaccinations, to protect them from becoming unwell.
Guidance and support for people with these underlying conditions or additional risk factors is available on a case by case basis from your GP surgery or specialist team.