Prevention Programmes

Childhood immunisations are one more way to keep them safe.  You want to do what is best for your child. You know about the importance of car seats, stair gates, and other ways to keep them safe. But, did you know that one of the best ways to protect them is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations?

Immunisation is the process of delivering a vaccination to protect a person against a disease.

Vaccine is the product given during immunisation which your body uses to fight exposure to disease.

The Current UK Vaccine schedule

2 months:

• 6-in-1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, hepatitis B and Haemophilis influenzae type B – Hib)
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Men B vaccine

3 months:

• 6-in-1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, hepatitis B and Hib) (2nd dose)
• Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)‍
• Men B vaccine (2nd dose)

4 months:

• 6-in-1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, hepatitis B and Hib) (3rd dose)
• Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine

12-13 months:

• MMRV vaccine (Babies aged 6-12 months of age travelling to a country with high rates of circulating measles or to an area where there is a current measles outbreak, who are likely to be mixing with the local population, should receive a dose of MMRV vaccine before 12 months of age. This is because of the increased risk of severe measles disease in young children, including brain infection (SSPE). As the response to MMRV is sub-optimal where the vaccine has been given before one year of age, immunisation with two further doses of MMRV should be given at the normal recommended ages.)
• Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine (2nd dose)
• Men B booster (3rd dose)

18 months (if born on or after 1 July 2024)

• 6-in-1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, hepatitis B and Hib) (4th dose)
• MMRV vaccine (2nd dose)

2 years to 13 years:

• Children’s flu vaccine (annual)

3 years and 4 months:

• 4-in-1 booster (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio‍)
• If born on or before 31 December 2024, for MMRV vaccine (2nd dose)

12-13 years (boys and girls):

• HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer and genital warts – two injections given 6 – 24 months apart

14 years:

• Teenage booster (tetanus, diphtheria and polio)
• Men ACWY vaccine

Keep up-to-date with your child’s vaccinations using this vaccination planner.

If you are travelling to places like Europe or North America, you may not need any additional vaccines but to travel to some other areas in the world, you are required to have some vaccines against specific diseases such as Hepatitis and Yellow Fever. This is because some countries unfortunately still have high rates of infections that we have been able to eradicate in the UK. This is also why it is really important that you are up to date with all your childhood vaccines. If you are not sure, check with your GP practice. You can still get vaccinated before you travel.

To find out, visit NHS Fit for Travel and Travel Health Pro for more details. To ensure that you are protected, call into your GP surgery or visit ‘travel’ clinics where you can ask questions about what is required and how to get immunised against them.

For more information, click here.

Adult vaccines in the UK focus on protecting against age-related risks (flu, pneumonia, shingles, RSV) and maintaining booster immunity (tetanus/diphtheria/polio). Key vaccinations include annual flu for 65+ and at-risk groups, the shingles vaccine (aged 70–79), and a new RSV program for adults aged 75 and over.

How to Access
Vaccines are free on the NHS for eligible individuals. Contact your GP surgery or local pharmacy to book, particularly in autumn for flu/COVID boosters. Check NHS vaccinations for your specific eligibility.

Routine & Age-Specific Adult Vaccines (NHS)

• Flu Vaccine: Offered annually to adults aged 65+, pregnant women, those with long-term health conditions, and carers.
• Shingles Vaccine: Available for people aged 70 to 79, with eligibility extending to those turning 65 since September 2023.
• Pneumococcal Vaccine: Given once to adults aged 65+ to protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
• RSV Vaccine: A new vaccine for people aged 75 to 79 to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (from Sept 2023).
• COVID-19 Booster: Seasonal boosters offered to older adults, care home residents, and the immunosuppressed.
  
• Boosters (Td/IPV): Adults should ensure they have received a total of five tetanus/diphtheria/polio vaccinations over their lifetime

At-Risk and Catch-Up Vaccines

• MMR: Adults can receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine at any age if they were not vaccinated as children.
• HPV: Offered to eligible groups, including men who have sex with men (up to 45), through sexual health clinics.
• Hepatitis B: Recommended for high-risk individuals.