The Most Common Vaccines in the UK and What They Protect Against
, by Andrew Odgers, 7 min reading time
UK Immunisation
The Most Common Vaccines in the UK and What They Protect Against
The UK NHS immunisation programme is one of the most comprehensive in the world, offering vaccines free of charge from birth through older adulthood. This guide maps every major scheduled vaccine to the disease it prevents, when it is given, and what evidence says about its effectiveness.
17+Vaccine-preventable diseases in the UK schedule
FreeAll NHS schedule vaccines at point of use
95%MMR coverage target for measles herd immunity
2 dosesMMR doses required for full protection
The infant and childhood schedule
Vaccines from birth to age 5
| Age | Vaccine | Diseases Protected Against | Doses at This Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 6-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB) | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib meningitis, hepatitis B | 1st |
| 8 weeks | Rotavirus (oral) | Rotavirus gastroenteritis | 1st |
| 8 weeks | MenB | Meningococcal group B disease | 1st |
| 12 weeks | 6-in-1 | As above | 2nd |
| 12 weeks | PCV (pneumococcal) | Pneumococcal pneumonia and meningitis | 1st |
| 12 weeks | Rotavirus (oral) | As above | 2nd |
| 16 weeks | 6-in-1 | As above | 3rd |
| 16 weeks | MenB | As above | 2nd |
| 12–13 months | Hib/MenC booster | Hib meningitis, meningococcal group C | Booster |
| 12–13 months | MMR | Measles, mumps, rubella | 1st |
| 12–13 months | PCV booster | Pneumococcal disease | Booster |
| 12–13 months | MenB booster | Meningococcal group B | Booster |
| 3 yrs 4 months | MMR | Measles, mumps, rubella | 2nd |
| 3 yrs 4 months | 4-in-1 pre-school booster | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio | Booster |
Schedule current as of May 2026. Check NHS.uk for any updates.
School-age and adolescent vaccines
TrueAges 9 to 18
Adult and older adult vaccines
TrueNHS-funded protection through adulthood
Estimated reduction in disease incidence since vaccination introduction (UK, selected diseases)
Vaccine effectiveness: what the data shows
TrueHow well each major vaccine works
Frequently asked
Questions answered
Are all NHS vaccines free?
Yes. Every vaccine in the NHS immunisation schedule is provided free of charge at the point of use, for eligible individuals at the appropriate age or in the appropriate clinical group. Private vaccination is available for vaccines outside the NHS schedule or for those not currently in an eligible group.
What if I missed childhood vaccines?
NHS catch-up vaccination is available for most vaccines in the schedule. Speak to your GP about your vaccination history — they can check records and advise on catch-up doses. Adults who missed MMR, whooping cough, or polio components of the schedule can receive catch-up doses free on the NHS.
Do I need to carry vaccination proof for international travel?
For most routine NHS vaccines, no proof is needed at international borders. Yellow fever vaccination requires a formal International Certificate of Vaccination. For some entry requirements such as meningococcal vaccination for Hajj, specific documentation is needed. Check destination-specific entry requirements well in advance of travel.
When does the UK schedule get updated?
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) reviews the UK immunisation schedule continuously and makes recommendations to the Secretary of State for Health. Changes are communicated through updates to the Green Book (the UK's official immunisation guidance) and NHS communications to GP surgeries and schools.
Vaccination supplies
Clinical vaccination consumables from Charles Medical
Charles Medical supplies hypodermic needles, syringes, and all consumables used in vaccination practice. Next-day UK delivery, no minimum order.