Childhood Immunisations

Immunisation is the safest and most effective way to prevent the spread of many highly infectious diseases. Vaccination not only protects you but also benefits your entire community through 'herd immunity'. When a sufficient number of people are immunised, infections cannot spread easily from person to person. The NHS provides a detailed explanation of how vaccines work, what they contain, and their most common side effects.

Faith Communities and Vaccine Ingredients

Concerns have been raised by some groups regarding the use of pork-derived ingredients in certain vaccines. Guidance has been developed to provide information about which vaccines contain these ingredients and the available alternatives.

Vaccines provide the best protection when given on time, but if you or your child have missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up. For more information on the vaccination schedule, please check the NHS vaccination schedule.

To book your child's vaccination appointment, visit the NHS booking page.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious illness for some people. The good news is that it can be easily prevented through immunisation. If you are unsure whether you or your family has had the MMR vaccine, check your child’s red book or contact your GP surgery.

You can find more information about the disease, including photo examples of the rashes and symptoms, and the actions you can take, on the NHS measles web page.

Multilingual MMR Resources

Find out about MMR in these leaflets available in different languages.

MMR Vaccination Information

See the NHS website for comprehensive details about the MMR vaccination.

Are Vaccines Safe for My Child?
Learn why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself on the NHS page - Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself.

Why Should You Get Your Child Vaccinated?
Watch this informative YouTube video to find out more.

Quick Guide for Parents of Premature Babies
Read the quick guide to childhood immunisation for parents of premature babies.

Tips for a Smooth Vaccination Appointment
There are some things parents and carers can do to help make a child’s vaccination appointment go smoothly. Check out these vaccination tips for parents.

Migrant Health Immunisation

This information is for anyone who has moved to the UK and advises on the need to register with a GP to get up to date with routine vaccinations. Ensure your child has all UK-recommended vaccinations. Consult a nurse to review and update their immunisation record.

Multilingual Resources

Immunisation information for migrants is available in multiple languages. Translated versions can be downloaded or printed locally. For a full list of available languages and to access the translated versions, visit the immunisation information for migrants page.

Pregnancy Vaccination

Vaccines given during pregnancy, such as flu and whooping cough, protect both the mother and unborn baby from serious infections. For more information, visit the NHS pregnancy vaccination page.

RSV Vaccination

Starting from 1 September 2024, pregnant women will be offered a free RSV vaccine during each pregnancy, around their 28-week appointment. This vaccine protects babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can cause bronchiolitis. In small babies, this condition can make it difficult to breathe and feed.

For more information, visit the guide to RSV vaccination for pregnant women.

For translated and accessible versions, visit the translated and accessible versions page.

Travel Vaccination Advice

If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, you may need vaccinations to protect yourself and your children against infections. Some countries require proof of vaccination upon entry or exit. For more information, you can contact your GP practice or visit the NHS travel vaccination advice page.

Education and childcare settings have a vital role in supporting the routine immunisation programme by sharing information with parents and caregivers at key points. For further information, see The Role of Education and Childcare Settings.

Settings may wish to speak to their health visitor, school nurse, or other setting-specific healthcare workers about the support they can offer.

Promotional materials for nurseries and schools can be found at Immunisations for Nurseries and Schools.

School Immunisation Programme

Vaccinations are included in the health education curriculum as part of the ‘health and prevention’ topic at primary and secondary schools.

Here are some useful resources for schools:

• The School Vaccination Programme
• Which children should have the 3-in-1 teenage booster jab
• HPV School Vaccination video
• HPV Myths School video

You can order promotional resources for health professionals from healthpublications.gov.uk.

Other resources include:

• Guidance for Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule
• A Guide to the Teenage Booster Vaccine
• Measles: Information and Poster for Health Professionals