Adult vaccinations in the UK: who is offered which vaccine and when

The NHS publishes a vaccination schedule for the whole of life. For adults it is organised by age, pregnancy and underlying health conditions. The NHS stresses that vaccines are best given on time for the best protection, but that if you missed one you can contact your GP to catch up.

This page summarises the adult parts of the schedule as set out on NHS pages read for this guide. Eligibility rules and dates change, so check the NHS website or ask your GP surgery or pharmacist for what applies to you now.

The NHS schedule for adults lists the following by age.

The NHS says the flu vaccine is offered every year in autumn or winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you are aged 65 or over, aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant, living in a care home, the main carer for an older or disabled person, living with someone who has a weakened immune system, or aged 16 or over and rough sleeping or in a hostel.

Health conditions listed include asthma needing steroid inhalers or tablets, COPD, cystic fibrosis, heart conditions, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, some neurological conditions, a learning disability, diabetes, a weakened immune system, problems with the spleen and a BMI of 40 or above. You can book online or in the NHS App, at a pharmacy offering free flu vaccination, or through your GP surgery.

The NHS says the pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. For adults it is recommended as 1 dose at 65 or older, and at least 1 dose for children and adults at higher risk, with some people needing extra or regular doses.

Higher-risk groups include people with sickle cell disease or spleen problems, long-term breathing, heart, kidney or liver conditions, diabetes, a weakened immune system, cerebrospinal fluid leaks or cochlear implants. Some welders and metal workers exposed to metal fumes at work should also have it, and your employer should make sure you are offered it. Your GP surgery will usually contact you if you are eligible.

The NHS says the shingles vaccine is available for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system. People who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023 are eligible when they turn 65 and are offered 2 doses given between 6 and 12 months apart, remaining eligible until their 80th birthday. If you turned 65 before that date, you become eligible at 70.

People aged 18 or over with a severely weakened immune system, for example some people with blood cancer, HIV, or recent stem cell transplant or chemotherapy, are given 2 doses between 8 weeks and 6 months apart. The NHS stresses you can get shingles more than once, so it is important to be vaccinated even if you have had it before.

The NHS says you can get a free RSV vaccination if you are 28 weeks pregnant or more, aged 75 or over, aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition (not asthma that is under control), or living in a care home for older adults. RSV can cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and can make symptoms worse if you have a lung condition such as COPD.

For COVID-19, the NHS says you can get a vaccine if you are aged 75 or over, aged 6 months to 74 with a weakened immune system because of a condition or treatment, or living in a care home for older adults. It is usually offered in spring and early winter, and you do not need to wait for an invitation before booking.

The NHS schedule lists the flu vaccine during flu season at any stage of pregnancy, the whooping cough vaccine at around 20 weeks pregnant and the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks pregnant. The NHS says the RSV vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to help protect the baby after birth and should be offered around the 28-week antenatal appointment.

Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you have not been offered a vaccine you are eligible for.

The NHS lists additional vaccines for adults with certain conditions: for example MenACWY and MenB for problems with the spleen or complement disorders, hepatitis B vaccine for chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease or haemophilia, and hepatitis A vaccine for chronic liver conditions or haemophilia.

For young adults, the NHS notes that MenB vaccine is being offered until March 2027 to certain groups, such as those starting university, and says people starting college or university should also have had MenACWY, 2 doses of MMR and the HPV vaccine, with MenACWY available from the GP until the 25th birthday.

On the NHS, vaccines are offered free to eligible groups through your GP surgery, pharmacies, maternity services and care homes, and you can usually book online or through the NHS App. Frontline health and social care workers can get a flu vaccine through their employer.

Some vaccines outside the NHS schedule can be obtained privately. If you have a vaccine privately, tell your GP so that your record is complete.