16-24 years vaccination catch-up campaign

It’s never too late to get vaccinated!

Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting yourself against harmful diseases before you come into contact with them. Vaccinations prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year.

By the time you leave school you should have received the following vaccines:

Vaccinations
- HPV vaccine HPV vaccine - NHS
The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts and HPV-related cancers such as cervical cancer, other genital cancers and cancers of the head and neck.

Laura’s Story - Get the facts, get the HPV vaccine!
- MenACWY vaccine MenACWY vaccine - NHS
The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal column) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.

Becca’s Story - I underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of several fingers
- 3 in 1 teenage booster Td/IPV vaccine (3-in-1 teenage booster) - NHS
The 3 in 1 teenage booster (Td/IPV) enhances protection against tetanus, diphtheria and polio. You should have received this vaccine as a baby and before you started primary school.
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS
These 3 infections spread easily between people and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss. For the maximum protection against these diseases, you should have received 2 doses of this vaccine, usually as a baby and before you started primary school.

If you have not received these vaccinations, you are entitled to get them for FREE from your GP surgery up until your 25^th birthday.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines work by causing the body’s immune system to make antibodies (substances to fight infections). So if you come into contact with the infection, the antibodies will recognise it and protect you.

It is much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them.

All vaccines are thoroughly tested to make sure they will not harm you. More information can be found here How vaccines are tested, licensed and monitored | Vaccine Knowledge Project.

Be aware of anti-vaccine stories

Always get your vaccine and health information from trusted sources, such as the NHS or World Health Organisation (WHO). The vaccine information on social media may not be based on scientific evidence and could put you at risk of a serious illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for the vaccines?

No. These vaccines are provided free by the NHS.
How are the vaccines given?

They are given by injection in the upper arm.
What are the side effects of vaccines?
Most of the side effects of vaccination are mild and do not last long. The most common side effects of vaccination include:
- the area where the needle goes in looking red, swollen and feeling a bit sore for 2 to 3 days
- feeling a bit unwell or developing a high temperature for 1 or 2 days
- feeling tired, having a headache, mild fever, or flu-like symptoms
How do I check my vaccine history?

If you are registered for online services with your GP, you can check your immunisation history.

View your GP health record - NHS
Can I consent to having a vaccination?

At 16 years of age a young person is presumed in law to have the capacity to consent, so young people aged 16 or 17 years should consent to their own medical treatment.

Consent to treatment - Children and young people - NHS
Is natural immunity better? Will catching the disease make my immune system stronger than a vaccine?

There is no other proven, effective way to immunise yourself against infectious diseases without experiencing the serious risk of that infection. Some infections can cause serious illness, hospitalisation, and life-long disabilities.

Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect them from diseases. It's much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them.
I’ve already had sex, can I still get the HPV vaccine?

Definitely. The vaccine can protect you from other types of HPV that you might not have so it’s important to still get vaccinated.
I have a fear of needles!
Needle phobia is very common and is nothing to be ashamed of. Simple exercises and practice can help to overcome it.
- Talk to the nurse so they know how to help make it easier for you.
- Make sure you’ve eaten and are well hydrated before coming for your vaccinations.
- Use distraction techniques such as listening to music, watching something on your phone, bringing a friend to the appointment.
- Use breathing techniques if you’re feeling anxious – sit up straight in a comfortable position and let your shoulders and jaw relax. Put one hand low on your stomach. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this for five breaths.