Vaccinations

Why vaccination matters

For over 200 years, vaccines have protected generation after generation. They have helped turn diseases that were once feared by families into illnesses that are now rare.

In the last 50 years alone, vaccines have saved over 150 million lives. That is around 6 lives every minute.

Childhood vaccinations

Catch-up vaccination sessions are being offered throughout the summer at Oldham Library for children aged 5 to 16 years.

When sessions are available

Every Monday from 20 July until 17 August, 9.30am to 3pm.

How to book

Vaccinations available

Children aged 5 to 16 years

  • Mumps, measles and rubella
  • Mumps, measles, rubella and chickenpox

Secondary school age children

  • Diphtheria, tetanus and polio
  • Meningitis ACWY
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)

How you can get involved

  • Check: Check that your children are up to date with NHS-recommended vaccinations.
  • Use trusted information: Use trusted information sources such as the NHS, UKHSA and WHO for accurate, evidence-based advice.
  • Speak to a health professional: If you are unsure or have concerns, speak to a GP, nurse or pharmacist. They can provide personalised, up-to-date guidance.
  • Support others: Support others to book or attend appointments.

Get a flu jab

Flu vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself from flu.  The vaccine is offered each year by the NHS to protect those who are most at risk of flu and its complications.

Who can have a Flu Vaccination?

A flu vaccine is given to people who:

  • are 50 and over
  • have certain health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • are in long-stay residential care
  • receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

The children's nasal spray flu vaccine is given to:

  • children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2025
  • all primary school children
  • some secondary school children
  • children aged 2 to 17 with certain health conditions
  • Babies and children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions will be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.

How to get a flu jab

You can have an NHS flu vaccine at:

  • your GP surgery
  • a pharmacy offering the service (if you're aged 18 or over)
  • some maternity services if you're pregnant
  • Sometimes, you may be offered a flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.
  • School-aged children will be offered a vaccine at school or a community clinic.