Protecting your health
Find out about NHS health checks, immunisations, cancer screening and sexual health.
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NHS health checks
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An NHS Health Check is a sophisticated check of your heart health aimed at adults aged 40 to 74.
The check involves measuring your:
- blood pressure
- pulse
- height
- weight
It also involves asking you some lifestyle questions, to see if there’s more you can do to look after your health.
- Immunisations and vaccinations
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Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect you and your family from serious and potentially fatal diseases. The NHS has a free vaccination programme for pregnant women, babies, children, and adults.
Find out about vaccinations on the NHS website.
- Covid-19 vaccination
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Vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you are at increased risk from COVID-19.
The vaccines are normally given in autumn/winter and then spring every year. Some people with a severely weakened immune system may need additional protection at other times. Your specialist or GP will assess if you or your child (aged six months or over) needs a vaccine.
Find out about the COVID-19 vaccine on the NHS website.
To book your vaccine visit to the national booking service, which is open during autumn/winter and spring.
- Flu vaccination
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For some people, flu can be an unpleasant illness. For many, particularly those with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women, flu can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.
Every autumn the NHS offers free vaccinations to those who are most at risk from serious flu complications.
Find out about flu and the vaccine on the NHS website.
The flu vaccine is recommended for the following children:
- aged two or three years on 31 August 2025
- school-aged (Reception to Year 11)
- aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
Find out more about vaccinations for children on the NHS website.
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Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine
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The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. It is recommended for people at higher risk of these illnesses such as babies and people aged over 65 years.
Babies are given the PCV vaccine as part of the routine immunisations schedule.
Adults will be invited for the PCV vaccine at the GP practice when they turn 65. Contact your GP practice if you have missed your PCV vaccination.
Find out about the pneumococcal vaccine on the NHS website.
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
- The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The RSV vaccine is recommended if:
- you are pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy, from 28 weeks onwards, to help protect your baby after they are born
- you are aged 75 to 79
If eligible, you can get the RSV vaccine at any time, not just in the autumn.
Find out about the RSV vaccine on the NHS website.
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Shingles
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Shingles infection causes a painful rash. It can sometimes lead to serious problems such as long-lasting pain, hearing loss or blindness.
You are more likely to get shingles, and it's more likely to cause serious problems, as you get older or if you have a severely weakened immune system.
The shingles vaccine helps:
- reduce your chances of getting shingles
- reduce your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shingles
The shingles vaccination is recommended for:
- people who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023. Two doses 6 to 12 months apart. You remain eligible until your 80th birthday. If you turned 65 before September 2023 you will become eligible when you turn 70.
- people aged between 70 and 79. You will be eligible until your 80th birthday.
- people aged 50 and over with severely weakened immune systems.
Contact your GP surgery if you have missed your shingles vaccine.
There are two types of shingles vaccine:
- Zostavax® – given as 1 dose. This contains traces of porcine gelatine
- Shingrix® - given as 2 doses. This does not contain porcine gelatine.
Please ask your GP if you have a preference. Shingrix® will usually be given to people aged 65 years and those over 50 with weakened immune systems.
Find out about the shingles vaccine on the NHS website.
- Cancer screening
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Diagnosing cancer early can make all the difference.
Free cancer screening for certain types of cancer is available on the NHS for some people. For more information, view cancer screening on the NHS website.
You can also find out more information including FAQs from the NHS in North West London.