Childhood Immunisations
The immunisation programme gives vaccines to babies and children at different ages. Routine immunisation for babies begins when they are two months old. Your child needs several vaccines to protect them from infections, so it’s important to complete their immunisation programme.
Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or seen very rarely. However, if people stop having vaccines, it’s possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.
There are a number of vaccines that children should have. You can find a list of them below and on the NHS website. It is important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection.
All recommended vaccines are available for free from the NHS.
If you or your child missed any recommended vaccine, you can still contact your GP to catch up.
Childhood Vaccine Schedule
|
Age
|
Vaccines
|
|---|---|
|
8 weeks
|
6-in-1 vaccine
Rotavirus vaccine
MenB
|
|
12 weeks
|
6-in-1 vaccine – 2nd dose
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine
Rotavirus vaccine – 2nd dose
|
|
16 weeks
|
6-in-1 vaccine – 3rd dose
MenB – 2nd dose
|
|
1 year
|
Hib/Men C
MMR Pneumococcal (PCV) – 2nd dose MenB – 3rd dose
|
|
2 to 10 years
|
Flu vaccine [annual]
|
|
3 years 4 months
|
MMR – 2nd dose
4-in-1 pre-school booster
|
|
5 to 15 years
|
COVID-19 vaccine – 2 doses
|
|
12 to 13 years
|
HPV vaccine
|
|
14 years
|
3-in-1 teenage booster
MenACWY
|
Find out more about the above vaccines at NHS website
When and where your child will get vaccines
The Child Health system or your doctor’s surgery usually sends out your invitation to make vaccination appointments.
Your child can get some vaccinations in school. The school will contact you before they give your child a vaccine.
It is important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if your child missed a vaccination, contact your GP to catch up.
You will continue to be called for all your child’s scheduled vaccination appointments when they are due.
Remember, vaccinations are safe, effective and can save lives.
Premature babies
Premature babies may be at greater risk of infection.
They should be vaccinated according to the recommended schedule from eight weeks after birth, no matter how premature.
Giving paracetamol to a premature baby
If your baby isn’t in hospital, it’s important to have infant paracetamol at home before they have their MenB vaccine, as it can cause a fever.
If your baby was born before 32 weeks’ gestation, your doctor cab advise what the right dose of paracetamol is for your baby’s weight.
Allergic reactions to a vaccine
On rare occasions, babies may experience an allergic reaction to a vaccine, which can cause:
- a rash or itching
- difficulty breathing or collapse, also known as anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis can happen within minutes of a baby getting vaccinated.
This reaction means your baby is allergic to an ingredient in a vaccine.
It’s a worrying and rare side effect that can be treated to allow a quick and full recovery.
Before your baby has further vaccines, you must tell the doctor or nurse about any previous allergic reaction.
When a baby has a fit after vaccination
Having a fit is a rare side effect of the vaccine. A baby can have a fit due to a very high temperature.
Yellow Card Scheme
A parent or carer can use the Yellow Card Scheme (external link opens in a new window / tab)to report side effects of vaccines and medicines.
Why your baby might not get a vaccine
There are some reasons why immunisation might not be right for your baby.
It’s important to tell your GP or nurse about any illnesses or allergies your baby has had.
Before vaccination, the doctor or nurse needs to know if your baby:
- has a very high temperature, vomiting or diarrhoea on the day of the appointment
- has had convulsions or fits
- had a bad reaction to a previous immunisation
- is allergic to anything
- has a bleeding disorder
- has had treatment for cancer
- has an illness that affects the immune system, for example leukaemia, HIV or AIDS
- takes medicine that affects the immune system, for example high dose steroids or treatments given after organ transplant or for cancers
- has any other serious illness
Knowing about your baby’s health helps the doctor or nurse choose the best immunisations.
A family history of illness doesn’t mean your baby can’t have a vaccination.
