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Children’s Immunisations

Children’s Immunisations

What you need to know about
Children’s Immunisations

As a parent, you’re probably concerned about keeping your child safe and healthy. You take care of their bumps and bruises, as well as soothe them when they’re unwell. Another crucial strategy to preserve your child’s health is to schedule regular health visitor appointments along with having children’s Immunisations.

Learn why particular vaccines are recommended by doctors and when your child should receive them. Answers to some typical questions can be found on this webpage.

What are Children’s Immunisations?

It’s an injectable or oral medication that protects you from a potentially fatal condition. A vaccine aids your immune system in developing the tools it needs to combat viruses and bacteria that cause sickness, known as antibodies. The body can take a few weeks to produce those antibodies. So you could get sick if you’re exposed to the disease either before or right after having the vaccine.

Which Immunisation Does My Child Need?

Vaccinations should be given to almost all healthy children as they get older. Your child’s doctor can advise you on when vaccines are due. The NHS has more information about the vaccine schedule.

Vaccines should be administered on schedule for optimum protection, but if you or your child misses one, contact your doctor to catch up. The following are the UK children’s immunisation schedules:

Babies under 1-year-old

Age

Vaccines

8 weeks

12 weeks

6-in-1 Vaccine (2nd dose)
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine
Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)

16 weeks

6-in-1 Vaccine (3rd dose)
MenB (2nd dose)

Children’s Immunisations aged 1 to 16

Age

Vaccines

1 year

Hib/MenC (1st dose)
MMR (1st dose)
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine (2nd dose)
MenB (3rd dose)

2 to 10 years

Flu Vaccine (every year)

3 years and 4 months

5 to 15 years

 COVID-19 vaccine (1st and 2nd dose)

12 to 13 years

14 years

16 years and over

 COVID-19 vaccine (1st, 2nd and booster dose)

Why is my child being given the same vaccine over and over?

To assist the immune system build up enough to protect the body, certain vaccines require more than one dose. It’s critical to get all of the vaccine doses in the correct sequence. If you don’t, your child will not be adequately protected.

Other vaccines lose their effectiveness over time. Booster shots ensure that the immune system is still capable of fighting a disease.

If your child forgets to take a dose, talk to their doctor about rescheduling it.

Who Shouldn’t Be Vaccinated?

It’s normally fine for your child to get their vaccines on time if he or she has a cold. However, if they are ill, the doctor may wish to wait. Before your child gets a vaccine, make sure the doctor knows if he or she is or has been sick.

Children’s immunisations manufactured with live viruses should not be given to those who have cancer or specific immune system issues. These include nasal flu vaccination, chickenpox, and MMR. Make sure your child’s doctor is aware of all of their medical issues.

If your child has previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, they should not receive it again. If they have a severe allergy to one or more of the following, they may need to forgo a vaccine:

  • Eggs
  • Some types of antibiotics
  • Gelatin

Your doctor will be able to tell you if a vaccine is appropriate for your child.

What About Side Effects?

Children’s Immunisations, like any other medication, can have negative side effects.

The majority of reactions are moderate and don’t stay long. Your child might be able to:

  • Be fussy
  • Feel sore or have red skin where they got the shot
  • Have a mild fever

Swollen lymph nodes and joint pain are also common in children. This type of reaction normally resolves on its own. However, if this occurs, make sure to see a doctor.

Vaccine-related serious complications are uncommon. If you observe any of the following symptoms after a vaccination, immediately contact your child’s doctor:

  • There was a lot of swelling in the area where they had the shot
  • Rash
  • High fever

What if I Don’t Immunise My Child?

Many serious or fatal diseases will threaten your child. If they become ill, they may infect babies who have not yet been immunised or others who are unable to receive children’s Immunisations.

Remember that your doctor wants to make sure your child is safe and healthy. Enquire about any concerns you may have. You and your child may decide what is best for your child together.

Extra immunisations for those who are at risk

For groups of people who require particular protection, some immunizations are only available through the NHS.

  • Vaccines for at-risk newborns and children can be found here.
  • Vaccines for People with underlying medical issues are available.
  • COVID-19 vaccinations for children and adults at high risk

Speak to your GP surgery if:

  • If you or your child believe you or your child has skipped any of your children’s immunisations.
  • You or your child have a vaccine appointment, but you’ve forgotten about it or are unable to make it.

They have the option to schedule or reschedule the next available appointment.

It’s better to get your children’s immunisations on time, but most vaccines may be caught up on if you miss them.