Immunisations are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases. Children are routinely offered a number of immunisations, and this can save your child’s life, as well as protect others you care about.

Immunising your child will help to protect you and your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases. It will also protect other people in your family and community, by preventing the spread of disease to those who cannot have vaccines, such as babies who are too young, or those who are to ill to be immunised.

If enough people are immunised, some diseases may even be wiped out. 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 are now very rarely seen.

Vaccines are very safe and effective. Vaccines are only licenced for children after long and careful development, and are rigorously safety tested before they are used. They are also monitored closely for side effects after being introduced.

Sometimes, vaccines can cause mild side effects, such as a sore arm, or feeling unwell, but these will not last long. These side effects usually be managed with liquid paracetamol, such as Calpol. They do not contain any ingredients that cause harm – only ingredients needed to make them safer and more effective.

Your child will be offered the following immunisations.

Vaccines for babies under 1 year old

Age Vaccines
8 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine

Rotavirus vaccine

MenB vaccine
12 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose)

Pneumococcal vaccine

Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)
16 weeks

6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose)

MenB vaccine (2nd dose)

 

Vaccines for children aged 1 to 15

Age Vaccines
1 year

Hib/MenC vaccine (1st dose)

MMR vaccine (1st dose)

Pneumococcal vaccine (2nd dose)

MenB vaccine (3rd dose)
2 to 15 year Children's flu vaccine (every year until children finish Year 11 of secondary school)
3 years and 4 months

MMR vaccine (2nd dose)

4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine

12 to 13 years

 HPV vaccine
14 years

3-in-1 teenage booster vaccine

MenACWY vaccine

Before your child starts school, they usually get immunised by their GP or local clinic. You should usually receive an invitation for an appointment.

Your child can also get some vaccinations at school, which will contact the parent or carer before they give your child a vaccine for consent.

If you have any questions, ask your health visitor, school nurse or contact your GP practice.

If your child has missed a vaccine, you can contact your GP surgery so they can catch up

Visit the NHS website to learn about vaccinations.

Find information on when to have vaccinations on the NHS website.

You can also find vaccination appointment tips for parents on the NHS website.