Which vaccinations are free?

Some vaccinations are provided free on the NHS, but you will have to pay for others.

Childhood vaccinations

All your child's routine vaccinations are free of charge. This includes all vaccines recommended from birth to the age of 18. For more information, see the NHS vaccination schedule.

Flu vaccine

The annual flu vaccine is offered free of charge to:

young children
pregnant women
anyone aged 65 and older
anyone with an increased risk of serious complications from flu

Shingles vaccine

A vaccine to prevent shingles, a painful skin disease, is available free of charge for people in their 70s.

Read more about who can have free shingles vaccination.

Pneumococcal vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against infections such as pneumonia and septicaemia (blood poisoning) is one of the free childhood vaccinations but it's also offered free to adults at higher risk of developing a serious health condition from a pneumococcal infection.

Hepatitis B vaccine

The hepatitis B vaccine is generally given free of charge to people considered to be at high risk of catching the hepatitis B virus, such as people who inject drugs or who change their sexual partner frequently.

However, your GP is not obliged to give the hepatitis B jab free if:

they think you're not at risk
you need the jab because of your job

Some employers may have arrangements with a GP or other healthcare service to provide the vaccine free for their employees.

If you need the hepatitis B jab because you're travelling abroad, you will have to pay for it.

Read more about the causes of hepatitis B.

Chickenpox vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine is provided free on the NHS only for:

people who haven't had chickenpox before who are likely to come into close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system
healthcare workers who haven't had chickenpox before

Read more information about who should have the chickenpox vaccine.