Vaccinating your child on time is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard their health and the health of those around them. The NHS offers a free schedule of essential vaccinations, protecting children at key ages from serious diseases. Here’s a clear guide on child vaccinations, including what they are, when they should have them, and why they should be prioritised.
NHS Child Vaccination Schedule
Babies (from 8 weeks)
- 6‑in‑1 vaccine (at 8, 12, 16 weeks)
Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B. These are serious infections – diphtheria, polio and Hib can cause life‑threatening complications. - Rotavirus (8 and 12 weeks)
A common stomach bug causing severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Early protection is key. - MenB (8 and 16 weeks, booster at 1 year)
Defends against meningitis B – a fast‑acting and dangerous infection. - Pneumococcal (12 weeks and booster at 1 year)
Protects against serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
Toddler (1 year)
- Hib/MenC (12 months)
Shields from Hib and meningitis C – major causes of childhood meningitis. - MMR (first dose at 12 months)
Prevents measles, mumps, rubella. Measles can severely impact health – hospitalisation, brain infection, even death. Uptake has recently dropped below safe herd immunity levels, prompting NHS campaigns urging parents to catch up. - MenB booster (1 year)
Ensures longer-lasting immunity against meningitis B.
Preschool (3 years, 4 months)
- 4‑in‑1 booster
Boosts immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. - MMR (second dose)
Provides full protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses are essential to reach ~99% effectiveness.
School‑aged and adolescents
From 12–13 years (Year 8):
- HPV vaccine
Protects against human papillomavirus linked to cervical, genital, anal, and throat cancers, as well as genital warts. A single dose is now standard, with catch‑up available if missed.
From 13–14 years (Year 9):
- Td/IPV teenage booster
A 3‑in‑1 booster against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. - MenACWY vaccine
Shields against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y – offered routinely in Year 9 and available up to age 25. - MMR status check & catch‑up
Ensures any missed measles/mumps/rubella doses are given.
Additionally, annual flu nasal spray is offered to school-aged children (Years 7–11) to reduce flu spread and protect vulnerable groups.
Why these vaccines matter
- Protect your child: Many of these infections (e.g., meningitis, whooping cough, measles) can be deadly or leave lasting harm.
- Herd immunity: High vaccination rates stop outbreaks, protecting vulnerable infants, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
- Prevent resurgence: As seen with measles, even short dips in coverage can spark outbreaks. NHS efforts have increased MMR uptake, but coverage is still below the 95% needed.
How to book NHS vaccination appointments
- GP practice
The NHS sends invitations for baby and preschool jabs. If you have missed your child’s appointments, simply contact your GP practice – they can book or rearrange. - School-based clinics
HPV, MenACWY, Td/IPV and flu are offered at school. Information and parental consent forms come from the school Immunisation Team. Catch-up is available via GP or community clinics. - NHS App or website
You can use the NHS App or visit NHS.uk to check records, view upcoming invites or reschedule bookings.
Protect your children and yourself
Vaccination is safe, effective, and one of the most powerful tools in public health. The NHS ensures these jabs are free, convenient, and carefully timed to give your child the best defence from day one.
✅ Check your child’s Red Book or NHS App – are all jabs up to date?
✅ Book any missed ones ASAP – no child is too old to catch up.
✅ Remember school-age vaccines – teen boosters, HPV, MenACWY, flu – all part of long-term wellness.
By staying on track with the immunisation schedule, you’re protecting your child, your family, and your community. If you’re unsure or have lost your NHS vaccine records, contact your GP or local immunisation team – they’re ready to help.
