One of the best ways to protect your child against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis is through immunisation. Your baby needs their first injections at eight weeks, then 12 weeks, 16 weeks and one year. The Institute of Health Visiting offer some useful tips about childhood immunisation:
Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK – just book your appointments with your GP. Remember, as well as protecting your own baby, you're also protecting other babies and children by preventing the spread of disease.
8 weeks:
12 weeks:
16 weeks:
1 year:
- Hib/MenC vaccine given as a single jab containing vaccines against meningitis C (1st dose) and Hib (4th dose)
- MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella), given as a single jab
- PCV (pneumococcal) – 2nd dose
- MenB vaccine – 3rd dose
2-10 years (including children in Reception and school years 1 to 6):
3 years and 4 months:
- MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) – 2nd dose
- 4-in-1 pre-school booster – given as a single jab containing vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough or pertussis, and polio.
2-10 years (including children in Reception and school years 1 to 6):
12-13 years:
14 years: