Immunisation for children
Due to the national childhood immunisation programme, dangerous diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and polio have practically disappeared in the UK. But some diseases could come back. That’s why it’s so important to protect your child.The UK’s Immunisation for children schedule
Babies up to 15 months:
- Polio — by injection at two, three and four months of age
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) and Hib (DTP-Hib) — one injection at two, three and four months of age
- Meningitis C — one injection at two, three and four months of age
- first dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) — one injection shortly after the first birthday
The recommended schedule for childhood immunisations gives children the best chance of developing immunity and minimises their risk of catching the diseases
In addition, some babies in high-risk groups are given a BCG immunisation for protection against tuberculosis shortly after they are born. Higher risk infants may also receive immunisation against Hepatitis B. Your doctor/health visitor will give you more information if your child needs these immunisations.
Children aged 3–5 years:
- Polio — one injection
- Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular Pertussis (DTaP) — one injection
- second dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) — one injection
Children aged 10 - 14 years:
- BCG (against tuberculosis) — immunity test (Mantoux test), then one injection for those categorised as high risk
Young people aged 13–18 years:
- Tetanus and low dose diphtheria (Td) — one injection
- Polio — one injection
Meningitis C (Men C):
A MenC catch-up programme has been completed to offer vaccination to all individuals under 25 years of age, and is now a routine vaccination for all babies.
- MenC vaccination should be offered to all first year students not previously vaccinated regardless of their age before starting higher education
Getting your child immunised
Before your child starts school, they will usually be immunised either at your doctor’s surgery or local child health clinic. An appointment is usually sent either from the Child Health Department or by your surgery.
Once your child starts school, they will usually be immunised there. The school will contact you before your child is given any immunisation.
If you have any questions or want more information, you can talk to your health visitor, doctor, school nurse or practice nurse at your doctor’s surgery. You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (England and Wales only). Calls are charged at local rates. For patient’s safety all calls are recorded.
Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own NHS services. Find out more by using the links below.
Flu jabs
A flu jab is recommended each year, before winter begins, for children who may find it difficult to fight off flu or who are at greater risk of developing complications. If your child has one of the following conditions, a jab is recommended and you should speak to your doctor:
- respiratory disease, including chronic asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis or emphysema
- kidney disease including nephrotic syndrome or on dialysis
- diabetes mellitus
- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
- children who either do not have a spleen or whose spleen does not work properly
Pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumo vaccines are recommended for children who may be at higher risk from pneumococcal disease. There are two types of pneumo vaccines: one is given as a course to children under two years of age and the other as a single dose for all children from two years of age. This group should also include those children reaching two years of age who have previously had a course of the other type. If your child has one of the following conditions, a jab is recommended and you should speak to your doctor:
- chronic heart disease
- chronic respiratory disease, including asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis or emphysema
- kidney disease including nephrotic syndrome or on dialysis
- chronic liver disease
- diabetes mellitus
- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
- children who either do not have a spleen or whose spleen does not work properly
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