NHS Vaccines: What’s Free, What’s Not, and How to Stay Protected
Know which vaccinations you need? Book your vaccinations with your local Pharmacy!
Vaccines are a key part of protecting your health, but it’s not always clear which ones are offered free through the NHS and which require a private booking. This guide helps you understand what’s available, who is eligible, and what your options are if something isn’t covered.
What are NHS vaccines?
The NHS provides a range of free vaccines to protect against common and serious diseases.
These vaccines are part of the UK’s national immunisation schedule and are reviewed regularly by public health experts. They are typically offered through GPs, NHS clinics, or schools and are free for eligible patients.
What vaccines are routinely offered on the NHS?
Children and teenagers may receive:
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Polio, diphtheria, and tetanus
- Rotavirus
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Meningitis ACWY
- Hib and pneumococcal vaccines
Adults may receive:
- Flu (if eligible)
- COVID-19
- Shingles (for people over 50)
- Pneumococcal (for people over 65 or at risk)
- Hepatitis B (for some healthcare or high-risk groups)
Who qualifies for free NHS vaccines?
Eligibility is based on your age, medical history, occupation, or risk level. For example:
- Children receive vaccinations automatically as part of the NHS schedule
- Pregnant women may be offered flu and whooping cough vaccines
- Older adults are eligible for shingles and pneumonia vaccines
- Healthcare and social care workers may receive hepatitis B
- Some people with long-term conditions qualify for additional vaccines
Do NHS vaccines cover travel needs?
Some travel-related vaccines are available for free on the NHS:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and polio (as a combined booster)
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
However, others are not covered, including:
- Yellow fever
- Rabies
- Japanese encephalitis
- Cholera
- Hepatitis B (in most travel cases)
These must be arranged privately through a travel clinic or pharmacy.
What if I’m missing a vaccine or need one quickly?
If you missed a vaccine at school or can’t access it quickly through your GP, you can still book privately. Private clinics and pharmacies offer most NHS vaccines for a fee, especially if you need them on short notice or for travel, work, or lifestyle reasons.
Private vaccines made simple with Travel Jab
If a vaccine isn’t covered by the NHS, Travel Jab helps you find private clinics that offer it. You can search by location, compare prices side by side, and book in just a few clicks, all through one easy-to-use platform.