Vaccinations for children

One of the best ways to protect your child against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis is through immunisations.

As well as protecting your own child, you’re also protecting others by preventing the spread of disease.

Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK – just book your appointments with your GP

Routine childhood immunisations schedule from September 2024

It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.

Your child’s Personal Child Health Record or ‘red book’

Your child’s Personal Child Health Record (PCHR) is also known as the “red book”. It’s used to record your child’s weight and height, vaccinations they’ve been given and other important health information.

You can also add information yourself – it’s a great way of keeping track of your child’s progress.

Remember to take it with you for appointments at the clinic, GP or hospital.

Speak to your GP surgery if:

  • you think you or your child have missed any vaccinations
  • you or your child have a vaccination appointment – but you’ve missed it or cannot attend

Your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment.

It’s best to have vaccines on time, but you can still catch up on most vaccines if you miss them.