Vaccines and Immunisations

Why are vaccinations important?

While vaccination jabs might not be the most fun for your baby, they are vital in keeping them fit and healthy. Your baby will require their first vaccination at the age of eight weeks to shield them - and other children they come into contact with - against the spread of diseases.

Immunisation schedule

Vaccinations protect your baby against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis. Your baby needs their first injections at eight weeks, through to their mid-teens.

Vaccinations Schedule:

8-week vaccinations:

• 6-in-1 vaccine – 1^st dose

• MenB vaccine – 1^st dose

• Rotavirus vaccine – 1^st dose

12-week vaccinations:

• 6-in-1 vaccine – 2^nd dose

• MenB vaccine – 2^nd dose

• Rotavirus vaccine – 2^nd dose

16-week vaccinations:

• Pneumococcal vaccine – 1^st dose

• 6-in-1 vaccine – 3^rd dose

1-year vaccinations (Children born BEFORE 1^st July 2024):

• Pneumococcal – 2^nd dose

• MMRV – 1^st dose

• MenB – 3^rd dose

• Hib/MenC

1-year vaccinations (Children born ON or AFTER 1^st July 2024):

• Pneumococcal – 2^nd dose

• MMRV – 1^st dose

• MenB – 3^rd dose

18-month vaccinations (NO appointments for children born BEFORE 1^st July 2024. See below for children born ON or AFTER 1^st July 2024):

• 6-in-1 vaccine – 4^th dose

• MMRV vaccine – 2^nd dose

2 to 15-year vaccinations:

• Annual flu vaccination

3 years and 4 months vaccinations (Children born BEFORE 1^st July 2024):

• 4-in-1 (pre-school booster) – 1^st dose

• MMR vaccine – 2^nd dose

3 years and 4 months vaccinations (Children born ON or AFTER 1^st July 2024):

• 4-in-1 (pre-school booster) – 1^st dose

12 – 13 years vaccinations:

• HPV vaccination

14 years vaccinations:

• 3-in-1 (teenage booster)

• MenACWY (against meningitis, sepsis & septicaemia

What to expect at your child's immunisation appointment

Your nurse or doctor will first ask for the ‘red book’ – your child’s health record. Once you and your little one are comfortable, the vaccine will be administered usually by injection. Your baby or child may cry for a little while after a vaccination, but they should feel better after a cuddle.

Vaccine side effects

There are a few side effects your little one might experience after having their vaccination – whether that’s from an 8- or 12-week baby immunisation, or their one-year injections. While this can seem a little daunting as a parent, most vaccine side effects are mild and don’t last long.

Common vaccine side effects:*

• Sore and red area where the needle goes in for 2 to 3 days.

• Children feeling a bit unwell or developing a high temperature - a high temperature of 38°C or more

• Crying and upset straight after the injection.

• diarrhoea and/or vomiting - more common with Men B vaccine

*This list of side-effects is not exhaustive; for more information on vaccines and side effects, visit:

How to treat vaccination side effects

It’s normal for babies and young children to be upset for a little while after an immunisation by injection. Cuddles and comfort also go a long way after immunisations, but should your youngster develop a post-immunisation fever, you can try the following:

• Give them plenty of fluids

• Keep them cool – make sure they are not wearing too many layers

• Give them liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen to help bring the fever down. If your child is getting their Men B vaccination, you can try giving paracetamol soon after vaccination before developing a fever (see below) – this will reduce the risk of your child having a post-immunisation fever.

Post-immunisation fever is perfectly normal, and it’s a comfort to know that this side effect is considered mild and doesn’t last a long time – usually between one and two days. If it sticks around for longer, then contact the nurse or GP where you had your vaccines. Again, if there’s anything that you feel is not normal after the vaccinations, contact the place where you had them.

Post-immunisation fever and Meningitis B vaccine

Post-immunisation fever is fairly common when the Meningitis B vaccine is given with other routine vaccinations at two and four months. It is recommended that you give your baby liquid paracetamol to reduce the risk of fever after the vaccination.

When to see a doctor

Your child’s post-immunisation fever and any redness or soreness where they’ve had the injection should clear up within a couple of days.

If you’re concerned your child is feeling out of sorts and their symptoms are not getting better, then call your GP or 111.