Adult vaccine
Catch-Up Vaccinations
If you or your child have missed vaccines, it is usually possible to catch up — contact your GP surgery to arrange the doses you need.
What it protects against
Catching up on missed vaccines restores protection against the diseases those vaccines cover, from childhood infections such as measles to other routine immunisations.
Who it's for
Anyone who has missed routine vaccines — for example children behind on the schedule, people new to the UK, or adults unsure of their vaccination history.
How it works
A health professional reviews your records and gives the missing doses, often in a catch-up schedule. You usually do not need to start a course again from the beginning.
Safety
Safety and side effects
Catch-up vaccines are the same safe, effective vaccines given routinely, with the usual mild effects. It is safe to have them later than scheduled, and it is worth doing rather than leaving gaps in protection.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Catch-Up Vaccinations: frequently asked questions
Is it too late to catch up on missed vaccines?
It is rarely too late. Most missed vaccines can be caught up at any age, and you usually do not need to restart a course from scratch. Contact your GP surgery to review what you need.
I’m not sure which vaccines I’ve had — what should I do?
Contact your GP surgery, who can check your records. If your history is unknown, it is usually safe to be brought up to date, and they will advise on a suitable catch-up plan.
Related
Other adult vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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