Vaccinations – COVID-19, Flu, MMR, Polio, Mpox and Shingles

This year it’s more important than ever for people at risk to get their free flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster when they are invited by the NHS. The best time to get vaccinated is in the autumn, before the cold temperatures start.

Find out more and how to book on or speak to your local pharmacy or GP. School-aged children will be offered the vaccine at school.

The flu spreads from person to person – even amongst those not showing symptoms. The vaccine is the best protection for you and those around you.

COVID-19 information

For local information and support in Waltham Forest, check the London Borough of Waltham Forest website

For North East London information, check the North East London Health and Care Partnership website 

For London-wide information, check the Mayor of London’s website.

For NHS information and advice, check the NHS website.

For the latest national information check the Government website. 

Long Covid information

For residents of Waltham Forest, information about Long Covid services is available here.

A suite of information videos, including subtitles in Gujarati, Bengali and Urdu, have been produced to support our communities get the support they need to help them recover from Long Covid.

Long Covid is defined as signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. It is diagnosed when these lasting symptoms cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis and the necessary tests have been completed to rule these out.

Videos with English subtitles

Videos with Gujarati subtitles

Videos with Bengali subtitles

Videos with Urdu subtitles

MMR and Polio vaccination information

The NHS in north east London is encouraging all parents of children aged 1 to 11 who are not yet up-to-date with their routine vaccinations for polio and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) to come forward.

You can contact your GP, or if your child is aged 4-11 book one directly by calling 020 8017 4292. Parents of children aged 4 to 11, whose vaccination record says they are behind on polio and MMR vaccinations will also be contacted by an organisation called Vaccination UK, who have been employed by the NHS to arrange catch up doses at a local clinic or at school. See here for more information on local catch up clinics in Waltham Forest and other areas.

Staying up to date with childhood vaccines

The NHS wants to encourage parents to make sure their child/children are up to date with their vaccines.  Parents can search ‘NHS child vaccines’ online or visit nhs.uk/child-vaccines to see which vaccinations are given when. They can also use the child’s health record (red book) or contact the GP to see if they are up to date.

GPs can quickly arrange for children to catch up with vaccinations. If a child had their first vaccinations abroad it is important that they still have routine vaccinations here, and their GP can help arrange that. People can register online with a GP (anyone can register and they don’t need ID or proof of address).

For more information on the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

The extra polio booster vaccine offer is paused in North East London but routine polio vaccinations continue to be available from your GP. For more information see the NHS North East London website.

Mpox vaccination information

The NHS mpox vaccination programme ended in July 2023. But it is still available in London (and Greater Manchester) for eligible people who:

  • live in London (or Greater Manchester);
  • regularly travel to London or Greater Manchester to have sex;
  • regularly travel to other countries to have sex.

If you are eligible to get the vaccine, then you can use the NHS online vaccine site finder to find your nearest mpox vaccination site and find information on how you can get an appointment.

Shingles vaccination information

If you are aged 70 to 79, or aged 50 or above and have a weakened immune system, you can get a free shingles vaccination from your GP. The shingles vaccine is now also being offered to people turning 65 on or after 1 September 2023.

 

 

 

This page was updated on 06/12/2023.