Childhood immunisations (Routine childhood immunisation (UK schedule))
The vaccinations offered to babies and children on the UK schedule to protect them against serious infections, given at set ages from a few weeks old through to the teenage years.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- Childhood immunisations protect babies and children against serious infections, free on the NHS, at set ages from 8 weeks old.
- Some vaccines need several doses for full protection, so keeping to the schedule and finishing courses matters.
- Vaccines are well studied and safe for most children — there is no link between MMR and autism — and measles itself can be dangerous.
- Tell the team about allergies, immune problems or if your child is unwell, and share any private vaccinations with your NHS GP record.
- The exact schedule and how your child is invited depend on their date of birth and which UK nation you live in — check the current schedule for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your GP will give you advice for your situation.
Protects your child against serious, sometimes life-threatening infections
Live vaccines (such as MMR/MMRV) are generally not given to children with significant immunosuppression without specialist advice.
Your child may be unsettled or sleepy. Comfort, feed and cuddle as usual. A small sore lump where the injection was given is normal.
Vaccines recorded in the red book and on the child's NHS record.
Your child may be unsettled or sleepy. Comfort, feed and cuddle as usual. A small sore lump where the injection...
A mild fever, irritability or reduced appetite can occur. Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given at the...
A mild rash or slight fever can appear as this vaccine takes effect. This is usually short-lived and not...
Protection builds. Some vaccines need further doses on the schedule for full, lasting protection.
What are childhood immunisations?
Childhood immunisations are vaccines given to babies and children at set ages to protect them against serious infections before they are likely to meet them. They are offered free on the NHS and follow national guidance known as the 'Green Book'. The Green Book is UK-wide clinical guidance, but England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each publish their own patient schedule and set their own invitation arrangements, so the exact appointments and the way your child is invited can differ depending on which UK nation you live in — always check the current schedule for your nation.
In England, for example, babies are routinely offered 6-in-1, MenB and rotavirus vaccines at 8 weeks; 6-in-1, MenB and rotavirus at 12 weeks; and 6-in-1 plus pneumococcal vaccine at 16 weeks. At 1 year they are offered pneumococcal and MenB boosters and their first MMRV vaccine. Children born on or after 1 July 2024 have a new 18-month appointment for a fourth 6-in-1 dose and a further MMRV dose. Later doses depend on date of birth because transition arrangements apply. Older children are offered the preschool booster, HPV in early secondary school, and the teenage Td/IPV and MenACWY. The precise schedule depends on the child's date of birth and previous vaccinations — follow the current NHS invitation or UKHSA schedule.
Vaccines are given at particular ages because that is when the protection is most needed and works best, and because some need more than one dose to build full, lasting protection. Many of the diseases they prevent are rare today precisely because so many children are vaccinated — but they have not disappeared, and outbreaks happen when uptake falls.
Vaccines are among the most studied treatments in medicine and are safe for the great majority of children. In particular, there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism — this has been thoroughly investigated and disproven. Measles, by contrast, can be very serious. This guide is here to help parents understand the programme and ask good questions, not to pressure anyone.
Types, options & approaches
There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.
NHS childhood programme vs private vaccination
| Feature | NHS programme | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid |
| Schedule | Standard UK schedule | Standard or alternative timing |
| Recorded centrally | Yes (and in red book) | Should be shared with your GP |
| Best for | Almost all children | Convenience or specific circumstances |
The NHS childhood programme is free and covers all routine vaccines. Private options exist mainly for convenience or particular circumstances, but should always be shared with your NHS GP so the record stays complete.
Preparing for your treatment
- Bring your child's personal child health record (the red book) so doses are recorded and gaps spotted.
- Check which vaccines are due for your child's age before the appointment.
- Tell the team about any allergies, especially a previous reaction to a vaccine.
- Tell the team if your child has a weakened immune system or is on medicines that affect it, as some live vaccines may not be suitable.
- Dress your child in clothing that makes the arm or thigh easy to reach.
- Plan to comfort your child during and after, for example with a cuddle, feed or favourite toy.
- Write down any questions or worries to raise — the team expects and welcomes them.
What happens
A practice nurse or health visitor checks your child's records, confirms which vaccines are due, and asks about their health, any allergies and any previous reactions. You give consent as the parent or person with parental responsibility.
Most vaccines are injections into the thigh in babies or the upper arm in older children; rotavirus is given as drops into the mouth, and the children's flu vaccine is usually a nasal spray. Each takes only seconds. Holding, cuddling or feeding your child can help comfort them.
Several vaccines may be given at one visit, often in different limbs, which is normal and well tolerated. You may be asked to wait a short while afterwards. The vaccines are recorded in the red book and on your child's NHS record.
Is this treatment right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- Live vaccines (such as MMR/MMRV) are generally not given to children with significant immunosuppression without specialist advice.
- A vaccine should not be repeated if the child had a confirmed serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or component, without specialist input.
- Routine vaccination is usually deferred during a significant feverish illness.
- An alternative or delayed private schedule is not a substitute for the protection the standard schedule gives at the right ages.
Delay or rearrange if…
- Your child has a significant feverish illness on the day; minor coughs and colds are usually fine.
- Your child has recently started treatment that strongly affects their immune system — check timing.
- There has been recent receipt of certain blood products that may affect live vaccines.
- A required gap since a previous vaccine dose has not yet passed.
Alternatives to discuss
- The free NHS childhood programme, which covers all routine vaccines.
- A catch-up schedule through your GP or health visitor for missed doses.
- Specialist advice for children with complex health needs or immune problems.
- Discussion of timing concerns with the team rather than skipping or indefinitely delaying vaccines.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Benefits
- Protects your child against serious, sometimes life-threatening infections
- Protects them at the age when they are most vulnerable to these diseases
- Helps protect other children, including babies too young to be vaccinated
- Reduces the risk of complications, hospital admission and long-term harm
- Some vaccines protect against cancers later in life (such as HPV)
- Keeps community protection high, which prevents outbreaks
Risks & complications
- Redness, swelling or tenderness where the vaccine was given
- A mild fever, being unsettled, irritable or sleepy for a day or two
- Reduced appetite or being a bit off colour briefly
- More than one sore spot if several vaccines are given at once
- A larger local reaction or a higher fever needing paracetamol or ibuprofen as advised
- A mild rash about a week or so after MMR/MMRV as the vaccine takes effect
- Brief febrile (fever-related) convulsions in young children, usually short and not harmful, more associated with high fever
- A significant allergic reaction soon after vaccination (staff are trained and equipped to treat this)
- Very rare specific reactions linked to particular vaccines, which the team can discuss
Serious reactions to childhood vaccines are rare, and the diseases they prevent can be far more dangerous to a child than the vaccine. The most important things to tell the team are any previous serious allergic reaction, a weakened immune system, or current illness with a high fever. If you have heard worrying claims, such as a link between MMR and autism, raise them — the evidence clearly shows there is no such link, while measles can cause serious illness, including in babies.
Published figures to discuss
Serious adverse reactions to childhood vaccines are rare, and the risks from the infections they prevent are generally far greater for a child. Exact rates differ for each vaccine and are best discussed against your child's own health. Because individual vaccine risks are specific, no single percentage applies across the whole schedule; ask the team about the particular vaccines being given.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local soreness, fever or irritability | Common and usually short-lived | Expected immune responses vary by vaccine; parents should know when paracetamol is appropriate. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Serious allergic reaction | Rare; usually within minutes | NHS guidance notes vaccinators are trained to recognise and treat allergic reactions immediately. | NHS — Vaccinations and when to have them (full schedule)nhs.ukSource-linked context |
| Delayed or missed doses | Common practical issue | Catch-up schedules can usually restore protection; delaying leaves a child vulnerable for longer. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Live vaccine given when contraindicated | Avoidable | Immunosuppression, severe allergy and some medical conditions need screening before live vaccines such as MMR. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
What happens afterwards
Most children are back to normal within a day or two. Being a little unsettled, sleepy or feverish for a short time afterwards is common and usually settles with comfort and, if needed, the right dose of children's paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Being unsettled, sleepy or a bit irritable for a day or two
- A mild fever that settles, with or without children's paracetamol
- A small, sore red lump where the injection was given
- A mild rash about a week after MMR/MMRV
Aftercare
- Comfort your child with cuddles, feeds and rest as needed.
- Give children's paracetamol or ibuprofen at the correct dose for age only if needed and as advised.
- Offer extra fluids and keep your child comfortable if they have a mild fever.
- Keep the injection site clean and dry; a cool, clean cloth can ease soreness.
- Record the vaccines in the red book and make sure they reach your NHS GP record.
- Note the date of the next due vaccines so none are missed.
- Know how to reach urgent NHS advice if you are worried about your child afterwards — NHS 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or your GP out-of-hours service or HSC Trust Phone First service in Northern Ireland.
- Red book brought to record the vaccines
- Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen at home if advised
- Note of which vaccines are due at this visit
- Awareness of any allergies or previous reactions
- Plan for comforting your child during and after
- Date noted for the next set of vaccines
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a widespread rash soon after a vaccine — call emergency services
- A high fever that does not come down, or a fever with a stiff neck, dislike of light or a rash that does not fade under pressure
- Your child becoming very drowsy, floppy, hard to wake or unresponsive
- A fit (convulsion), especially if it is prolonged or your child does not recover quickly afterwards
- Signs of dehydration in a baby: very few wet nappies, sunken eyes, no tears
- An injection site that becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful after a couple of days
- Any symptom that worries you — trust your instinct and seek advice. If it is life-threatening, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent but non-life-threatening advice, use NHS 111 in England, Scotland or Wales; in Northern Ireland, contact your GP out-of-hours service or your HSC Trust's Phone First service.
Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your GP gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
A good outcome is a child who is fully protected for their age against the infections the programme covers. Vaccination greatly reduces the risk of these diseases and their complications, although no vaccine is 100% effective for every child, so a small number may still catch a milder form.
Full protection from some vaccines depends on completing the whole course at the right ages. Keeping the red book up to date and attending each appointment means your child stays protected and any missed doses can be caught up.
Protection from childhood vaccines is generally long-lasting, but some need more than one dose, and a few are topped up by boosters in the preschool and teenage years. A small number of vaccines, such as flu, are repeated yearly. Your child's record shows what they have had and what is still due; your GP or health visitor can advise on catch-up if any doses were missed.
Related tests, treatments or support
Several vaccines are routinely given at the same visit, often in different limbs, which is safe and means fewer trips. The schedule is designed so that vaccines work well together at each age. Childhood immunisations are also given alongside routine developmental and health reviews in early childhood.
Follow-up & long-term care
Follow-up is mainly about attending each scheduled appointment and completing courses. Make sure every vaccine, including any given privately, is recorded in the red book and on your child's NHS record. Your GP practice or child health team can flag the next due dates and arrange catch-up if needed.
- Attend each scheduled appointment so vaccines are given at the right ages.
- Complete multi-dose courses for full, lasting protection.
- Have the yearly children's flu vaccine if offered.
- Keep the red book and NHS record up to date, including any private vaccinations.
- Arrange catch-up promptly if any doses are missed.
Repeat, follow-on and what comes next
- Several childhood vaccines need more than one dose, and some are boosted in the preschool and teenage years.
- Missed doses can usually be caught up without restarting the whole course.
- Protection from a few vaccines fades, which is why boosters are part of the schedule.
Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.
What good aftercare looks like
- Vaccines recorded in the red book and on the child's NHS record.
- Clear advice on normal side effects and when to seek help — NHS 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or GP out-of-hours or Phone First in Northern Ireland.
- A reminder of the next due dates and a catch-up plan if any are missed.
- Honest, unhurried answers to parents' questions about safety and the schedule.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- Whether you use the free NHS programme or pay for private vaccination.
- Which vaccines are requested privately and whether the vaccine or just the appointment is charged.
- The number of doses and appointments needed to complete courses.
- Whether several vaccines are given in one visit or spread out.
- The provider type (GP practice, clinic or pharmacy) and their fees.
- Any consultation to discuss an alternative schedule or catch-up plan.
- Which vaccines are included and the price of each (if private).
- Confirmation that the same vaccines are available free on the NHS.
- The number of doses and appointments needed for the full course.
- Whether a consultation fee is charged separately.
- Whether the vaccines will be recorded in the red book and shared with your NHS GP.
- Any costs for follow-up doses or catch-up appointments.
On the NHS? All routine childhood immunisations are free on the NHS; private vaccination is mainly for convenience or particular circumstances, and should always be shared with your child's NHS GP record.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Not explaining what each vaccine protects against or its common side effects to the parent.
- Dismissing a parent's genuine questions rather than answering them honestly with evidence.
- Not checking the child's immune status before a live vaccine.
- Promoting an unproven alternative schedule that leaves a child unprotected for longer.
- Failing to record vaccines so the red book and NHS record become inaccurate.
Marketing red flags
- Promoting private 'safer' schedules that delay protection without good evidence.
- Repeating discredited claims, such as a link between MMR and autism.
- Charging for vaccines without making clear they are free on the NHS.
- Implying a vaccine gives instant or 100% protection.
Choosing a specialist safely
- Check the GP is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
- You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the GP who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good GP will welcome every one of these.
- Which vaccines is my child due at this age, and what does each protect against?
- Are any of these unsuitable for my child given their health or allergies?
- How many doses are needed, and when should we come back?
- What side effects are normal, and when should I seek advice?
- If we've missed a dose, how do we catch up safely?
- Will these be recorded in the red book and on my child's NHS record?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the GP who carries out my treatment, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this treatment not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Are childhood immunisations free on the NHS?
Is the MMR vaccine linked to autism?
Why are so many vaccines given at once?
My child was unwell or missed a vaccine — what now?
Should I give paracetamol before or after?
What if my child is scared of needles?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: NHS — Vaccinations and when to have them (full schedule) NHS — 6-in-1 vaccine NHS — MMR vaccine GOV.UK — Green Book Chapter 11 (UK immunisation schedule) UKHSA — Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 January 2026 UKHSA — Childhood schedule changes from 1 July 2025 (transition guidance) GOV.UK — The complete routine immunisation schedule (current UK schedule) nidirect — Urgent and emergency care services (Northern Ireland) nidirect — GP out-of-hours service (Northern Ireland)
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
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