Vaccines are important all year round.
Infectious diseases can be very serious in babies and young children.
That’s why your child is offered free and safe NHS vaccinations. We’ve set out the vaccines your child should have and when.
You will receive an invitation for the vaccinations from your GP practice.
Your child needs to have some vaccinations more than once to make sure they are fully protected.
6 in 1 (first dose)
Protects against diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b), polio, tetanus and whooping cough. These are all serious viral or bacterial illnesses that can be dangerous for babies.
Rotavirus (first dose)
Protects against a highly infectious stomach bug.
MenB (first dose)
Protects against a form of meningitis that can be very serious if not treated and cause severe brain damage.
6 in 1 (second dose)
Protects against diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b), polio, tetanus and whooping cough. These are all serious viral or bacterial illnesses that can be dangerous for babies.
Pneumococcal
Protects from a range of bacterial infections from pneumonia to ear infections.
Rotavirus (second dose)
Protects against a highly infectious stomach bug.
6 in 1 (third dose)
A single dose of vaccine provides only some protection. Your child needs all 3 doses to be fully protected.
MenB (second dose)
Protects against a form of meningitis that can be very serious if not treated and cause severe brain damage.
Hib/MenC (first dose)
Protects against bacterial infections and boosts Hib immunity from the 6-in-1 vaccine.
MMR (first dose)
Protects against measles, mumps and rubella. These are all highly infectious and can cause long term damage.
Pneumococcal (second dose)
Protects from a range of bacterial infections from pneumonia to ear infections.
MenB (third dose)
Protects against a form of meningitis that can be very serious if not treated and cause severe brain damage.
Flu (every year until the end of Year 11 of secondary school)
Usually given as a quick and painless nasal spray.
MMR (second dose)
Protects against measles, mumps and rubella. These are all highly infectious and can cause long term damage.
4-in-1 pre-school booster
Protects against diphtheria, polio, tetanus, whooping cough. Increases protection ahead of starting school.
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 websiteWinter
Vaccinating your child will help them to stay happy, healthy and well this winter.
Children are especially vulnerable to catching and spreading the flu, which can sometimes lead to serious complications like pneumonia.
The free flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect your child.
By vaccinating your child, you’re also helping to protect other family members, particularly those at higher risk of severe illness, such as younger babies and grandparents.
- For children aged 2 to 3: the flu vaccine is available as a quick and painless nasal spray in each nostril at your GP practice. Get in touch with your GP practice to make an appointment.
- For older children: they will be vaccinated at school, and you’ll receive information from IntraHealth regarding the flu vaccinations.
The nasal flu vaccine contains a form of gelatine (porcine gelatine). If you prefer a vaccine without gelatine, an injectable option is available at your GP practice. This injection may also be more suitable for children with allergies or other medical conditions.
Babies aged 6 months and older with certain long-term health conditions can also receive the flu vaccine, as they are at higher risk of becoming very unwell if they catch flu.