Childhood vaccinations

Vaccinating your child on time is one of the best ways to protect them from serious illness. Key NHS vaccinations include the 5-in-1 jab at 2, 3 and 4 months; MMR from 12 months; the pre-school booster at 3 years 4 months; HPV for girls around 12–13; and the teenage Td/IPV and MenACWY boosters.

Some children in risk groups may be offered extra vaccines such as hepatitis B, TB, flu or chickenpox. Read more on the NHS website.

Stop smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Benefits start within days; major improvements follow in the first year or two.

Talk to your GP, contact your local NHS stop-smoking service, or call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 328 8534. With support and medication you are four times more likely to quit successfully.

Get fit for free

You do not need an expensive gym to be active. Walk more, try the NHS Couch to 5K podcast, cycle to work, use your local park, or follow free home exercise guides on NHS.uk.

Mental health

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem. Help is available — speak to your GP or find support through NHS.uk. Organisations such as Mind and the Mental Health Foundation also offer guidance.

Contraception

Contraception is free for most people in the UK. There are 15 methods to choose from. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections.

You can get contraception from your GP, sexual health clinics and some pharmacies. Services are free and confidential, including for under-16s who are mature enough to understand the information.

Winter health

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects many people in autumn and winter. Staying active, getting outside in daylight, keeping warm and maintaining social contact can all help. If you are struggling, speak to your GP.