School Age Immunisations
How can I keep my child safe?
Your child’s immune system is amazing. It can fight off coughs, colds, sore throats and earaches.
But it needs extra help to protect against illnesses that can be very serious for them.
All NHS childhood vaccinations help strengthen your child’s immune system. They are safe and free.
It’s natural to have questions about your child’s health — and with so much information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe.
- What vaccines does my child need? Check the vaccines your child needs once they start school or when they are younger.
- Are vaccines safe? We’ve tackled common childhood vaccine myths so you can make informed choices.
- How do I vaccinate my child? See the vaccination tips for parents and how to check their vaccinations are up to date.
- Are vaccines free? Yes.
- How can I keep my child safe from measles? The measles vaccination is the best way to protect your child. It’s not too late to catch up on any missed doses.
Measles – important information
Measles is circulating in Greater Manchester. It can be dangerous. Some people get very sick from measles and can develop pneumonia and meningitis.
Check that you and your family are up to date with your MMR vaccines. This is the best way to protect yourself against measles. It is essential to have two doses of the vaccine. You can catch up at any time. Speak to your GP practice.
More information about measles More information about measlesVaccine myths
Heard concerns from friends, seen something online or just want to double-check the facts?
It is natural to have questions about your child’s health but can be hard to know what to believe.
We tackle some of the most common myths about childhood immunisations. Check the facts so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Always get your vaccine and health information from trusted sources.
Busting vaccine myths Busting vaccine mythsFlu (every year until the end of Year 11 of secondary school)
Usually given as a quick and painless nasal spray.
Your child can develop serious complications like pneumonia and bronchitis if they catch flu, even if they are otherwise healthy.
You will hear from IntraHealth about the flu vaccine in school.
Myth: flu is just a bad cold
Fact: flu is more serious than a cold. Tragically, even previously healthy children can die from flu.
The facts about more common childhood vaccine myths.
HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
HPV puts your child at risk of developing several cancers when they are older —including cervical, throat, anal and penile — and genital warts.
Find out more about the HPV vaccine.
Myth: only girls need to have the HPV vaccine as boys can’t get HPV.
Fact: the HPV vaccine used to only be offered to girls, but HPV affects everyone. The HPV vaccine protects all genders against several types of cancers.
The facts about more common childhood vaccine myths.
Td/IPV vaccine (3-in-1 teenage booster)
The Td/IPV vaccine (also called the 3-in-1 teenage booster) tops up your child’s protection against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
These are series conditions that can cause heart failure, paralysis and breathing difficulties.
It’s recommended for children in school year 9 and people at higher risk of these illnesses. Find out more about the Td/IPV vaccine.
MenACWY vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against life-threatening illnesses like meningitis and sepsis.
Meningitis and sepsis can cause permanent disability or even kill within hours.
The vaccine is offered to teenagers in school but can be given up to the age of 25 if it’s been missed. Find out more about the MenACWY vaccine.
Myth: the MenACWY vaccination is not needed because polio has disappeared.
Fact: Thankfully, polio is now rare thanks to vaccination. But there is no treatment for polio and it can cause permanent paralysis, breathing difficulties and even kill. The vaccine also protects against other potentially serious illnesses.
The facts about more common childhood vaccine myths.
Are your child’s vaccinations up to date?
Check their Red Book or contact your GP practice if you’re not sure. It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but it’s never too late to catch up on missed doses.
Vaccinations and when to have them - NHS website Vaccinations and when to have them - NHS website