If a vaccine is given when a baby still has antibodies to the disease, the antibodies can stop the vaccine working. This is why routine childhood immunisations do not start until a baby is two months old, before the antibodies a baby gets from its mother have stopped working. This is also why it is important for parents to stick to the immunisation schedule, as a delay can leave a baby unprotected. A delay can increase the chance of adverse reactions to some vaccines, such as pertussis (whooping cough).
Vaccination Schedule
At two months old:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B – DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6 in 1 vaccine) – one injection
- Meningococcal group B (MenB) – one injection
- Rotavirus gastroenteritis (Rotavirus) – Orally
At three months old:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B – DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6 in 1 vaccine) – one injection
- Meningococcal group B (MenB) – one injection
- Rotavirus gastroenteritis (Rotavirus) – Orally
At four months old:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B – DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6 in 1 vaccine) – one injection
- Pneumococcal infection – pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – one injection
At around 12 months old:
- Pneumococcal infection – pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – one injection
- Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) – one injection
- Meningococcal group B (MenB) – one injection
At 18 months old:
Born on or after 1 July 2024
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B – DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6 in 1 vaccine) – one injection
- Pneumococcal infection – pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) – one injection
Born on or before 30 June 2024
- No injections
Three years four months to five years old (pre-school):
Born on or after 1 January 2025View Page
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (dTaP/IPV) – one injection
Born on or before 31 December 2024
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (dTaP/IPV) – one injection
- Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) – one injection
Boys and Girls aged 12 to 13 years:
- Cancers and genital warts caused by specific human papillomavirus (HPV) – HPV Vaccination (usually done through the School Nurses but we can offer a catchup if required)
Boys and Girls aged 14 years (Year 9):
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV) – one injection
Further reading
There are some excellent websites that will answer all your questions and queries about immunisation and vaccination. If you are worried about giving the MMR vaccine, you should access the MMR site.
NHS Choices – Immunisation Information
The most comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate source of information on vaccines, disease and immunisation in the UK.
NHS Choices – MMR Information
This website has been put together to answer any questions you might have about MMR. You can look for information and resources in the MMR library, ask an expert panel a question, and read up on the latest news stories relating to MMR.