Which vaccinations should your child have in England?

Not so long ago, just a few generations back, parents felt real fear when a child spiked a fever or started coughing. Illnesses we now prevent with vaccines, such as diphtheria, polio and measles, were often severe, sometimes fatal, and could leave lasting harm. Even chickenpox could lead to serious complications like encephalitis, and in infants rotavirus frequently meant dehydration and a hospital stay.
Widespread vaccination changed that world. Large outbreaks have been curbed, and diseases that were once common are now rare.

Protecting babies’ health starts with timely immunisation. Vaccines not only shield your child from serious, potentially life-threatening infections, they also protect the wider community. In England, the routine schedule is set by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and delivered by the NHS. Newborns begin in the first weeks of life, and several appointments follow before the first birthday.
It is important to know the timetable and to check in regularly with your health visitor or GP practice, so your child receives the best protection during this sensitive stage.

Below we outline the current routine schedule up to school age. This is information only. For any vaccine questions, always speak to your GP, health visitor or paediatrician.

England’s routine schedule for babies and young children

The vaccines below are given at specific ages to prevent serious, easily spread infections. They protect your child and other families they mix with.

Under 1 year

• 8 weeks: 6-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB), Rotavirus (by mouth), MenB.

• 12 weeks: 6-in-1 (second dose), Rotavirus (second dose), MenB (second dose).

• 16 weeks: 6-in-1 (third dose), Pneumococcal, PCV.

On or after the first birthday (around 12 months)

• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella).

• MenB booster.

• PCV booster.

• Hib/MenC may also be given, depending on date of birth and local guidance.

18 months (for children born on or after 1 July 2024)

• 6-in-1 fourth dose.

• MMR second dose.

3 years 4 months (or soon after)

• dTaP/IPV pre-school booster.

• MMR second dose for children who did not receive it at 18 months.

Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine: the NHS is introducing a routine MMRV programme with doses at one year and 18 months. Catch-up offers will run for older children who have not had chickenpox or two varicella doses. Your GP or health visitor will advise on timing during the phased roll-out.

Vaccinations are recorded in your child’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record) and in GP practice records.

Vaccines given after specific risks or exposures

Some situations are unexpected. If your child has been in contact with a case or carrier of an infection such as measles, rubella or mumps, a clinician will advise on post-exposure vaccination. The need for tetanus protection after an injury depends on the wound, timing and circumstances, and is assessed by a healthcare professional.
If there is rabies risk, post-exposure vaccination can be given at any age, including in special circumstances such as pregnancy, following clinical risk assessment.

When might vaccination be postponed or not advised?

There are rare circumstances where a vaccine is not recommended because the risk would be higher than the benefit. Decisions are always individual, weighing the risk of the disease itself.

Often the issue is temporary, meaning vaccination is deferred, not cancelled, for example due to a fever on the day. Your clinician will advise.

Possible reasons to delay or avoid a vaccine include:

• Feverish illness on the day

• Certain immunological problems

• Anaphylaxis after a previous dose of the same vaccine

• Recent surgery or specific clinical situations

Many common conditions do not require skipping vaccines. In some cases, for example with preterm infants, timing is adjusted on specialist advice.

Optional, recommended vaccines to ask about

Alongside the routine schedule, the NHS offers additional vaccines where indicated:

• Influenza every year for eligible children, with a nasal spray for most.

• Hepatitis A for travel or specific clinical needs.

• Meningococcal B and C are covered through the routine programme, with extra protection or timing adjustments for some risk groups.

• Rotavirus is already part of the infant programme and reduces severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

• Travel vaccines as advised by your GP or travel clinic.

The internet holds a lot of vaccine information, and not all of it is reliable. Your GP, health visitor and NHS sources give up-to-date, evidence-based guidance tailored to your child.

If you have questions or worries, speak to a professional rather than relying on forums. That way you can feel confident you are making the best decision for your child.

References:

UKHSA, England — Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 July 2025 (includes 8, 12, 16 weeks, 12 months, 18 months, and pre-school details).

NHS — NHS vaccinations and when to have them (parent-facing overview).