How to transfer vaccination records and continue immunisations after moving to the UK

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

After registering with a GP, request a vaccination review for each family member, especially a child. Existing doses need comparison with the current local schedule, age and health circumstances. Do not restart everything yourself or copy another family's plan.

Gather the history before the appointment

Bring vaccination cards, electronic records and previous medical documents. Dates, product names, diseases covered and dose numbers are useful. Retain originals and prepare a clear English list; ask the practice whether a professional translation is necessary.

Seek a review even without documents. UKHSA allows a vaccinator to accept a reliable verbal history; a separate algorithm applies where it cannot be established. Missing paperwork is not a reason to delay help. UKHSA: establishing vaccine history ↗.

Book the appropriate professional

Tell reception that you need an overseas-move review and catch-up plan; a practice nurse or vaccination team usually handles this. Disclose pregnancy, immune problems, treatment and previous serious reactions before vaccination is arranged.

For school vaccinations, establish the link with the School Age Immunisation Service. Do not assume the school already has overseas records or has entered every dose.

Obtain an individual plan

UKHSA recommends continuing a correctly started but interrupted course without automatically repeating all doses. However, products, intervals and eligibility may have changed. The vaccinator decides using current guidance. UKHSA: catch-up principles ↗.

Ask which doses count, what remains and why. Discuss schedule differences and future travel: travel vaccines are considered separately. The UKHSA algorithm was updated in October 2026, so old online tables may be unsuitable. Current publication ↗.

Record the next steps

Confirm dates, location and any charge where a service falls outside the applicable NHS programme. Ask for overseas history and new doses to be entered in GP records and the child's red book. Keep your own list for subsequent appointments. Notify the team after an address or school change so invitations are not lost. Check the local service and schedule in other UK nations.