They help to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from some life-threatening infectious diseases.
Some of the diseases that were common years ago in the UK, such as polio and diphtheria, are now very rarely seen thanks to vaccines.
Vaccines have been helping to save lives and keep us well since 1940, when the Diphtheria vaccine became available for mass use in the UK. The introduction of this vaccine led to a huge fall in the number of people having diphtheria.
It's important that we continue to take up vaccines we are offered by health care professionals, to help us keep ourselves and others protectedreducing the risk of these diseases being more common again.
When you'll receive vaccinations
Vaccines are offered throughout your life from 2 months of age until over 79 years old. Some vaccines require more than one dose for full protection.
Routine vaccines
You'll be offered the routine vaccines you're eligible for if you're registered with a GP, for example measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). It is important to have them at the right time for best protection. You can contact you GP if you or your child needs to catch up on vaccines that have been missed.
Additional vaccines for at risk people
Some vaccines are offered only to those who are more likely to become seriously unwell as a result of infection, for example flu. They can be a one off, or every year or seasonally depending on the type of disease.
If you're registered with a GP you'll be invited for the vaccines you are eligible for.
You can find more information about the NHS vaccinations and when to have them.
How to get access to vaccines
It's important to be registered with a GP to ensure you are invited for all the vaccines you need.
Where vaccines are given
Vaccines are given in a range of settings including:
- GP practices
- pharmacies
- some vaccines offered during pregnancy and are usually given at antenatal appointments.
- school aged children can receive the routine vaccines such as their teenage booster HPV and flu in school (subject to consent from parents or guardians).
- the service is organised by the NHS and delivered by Derbyshire School Aged (Immunisation Service). If a child has missed their vaccine during school time, or is electively home educated, or has alternative education provision, the service provides community catch up sessions
Safety
All vaccines used by the NHS must go through strict safety checks and tests before being approved for use on the public. Find out why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself.