At Pendleside Medical Practice, we understand how important it is to protect your child’s health. Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect babies and children from serious infectious diseases. 

The NHS childhood vaccination programme is regularly reviewed by experts to ensure children receive the best possible protection at the right age. 

Why Vaccinations Are Important 

Vaccinations help your child’s immune system recognise and fight dangerous infections before they can cause serious illness. They also help protect vulnerable people in the wider community, including babies, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. 

Vaccines used in the UK are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness and continue to be closely monitored. 

The Current NHS Childhood Vaccination Schedule 

The NHS routine childhood vaccination schedule has recently changed. The information below reflects the latest UK schedule. 

Vaccinations for Babies Under 1 Year 

At 8 Weeks 

Your baby will usually receive: 

• 6-in-1 vaccine (1st dose)
  Protects against:  

• diphtheria  

• tetanus  

• whooping cough (pertussis)  

• polio  

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)  

• hepatitis B  

• Rotavirus vaccine (1st dose)
  Helps protect against a common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting.  

• MenB vaccine (1st dose)
  Protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, a cause of meningitis and sepsis.  

At 12 Weeks 

Your baby will receive: 

• 6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose)  

• Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)  

• MenB vaccine (2nd dose)  

At 16 Weeks 

Your baby will receive: 

• 6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose)  

• Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine
  Helps protect against serious pneumococcal infections including pneumonia and meningitis.  

Vaccinations for Children Aged 1 Year and Over 

At 1 Year 

Children born on or after 1 January 2025 are now offered the combined MMRV vaccine, which protects against: 

• measles  

• mumps  

• rubella  

• chickenpox (varicella)  

Children may also receive: 

• Pneumococcal (PCV) booster  

• MenB booster  

Some children born before July 2024 may still be offered the Hib/MenC vaccine depending on their vaccination history. 

At 18 Months 

A new routine vaccination appointment has been introduced for children born on or after 1 July 2024. 

At this appointment, children may receive: 

• 6-in-1 vaccine (4th dose)  

• MMRV vaccine (2nd dose)  

This change helps provide earlier protection against measles and other serious infections. 

Annual Flu Vaccine (Ages 2–15) 

Children are offered a flu vaccine every year, usually as a quick nasal spray. This is offered through GP practices and schools. 

The flu vaccine helps protect children and reduces the spread of flu to family members and vulnerable people. 

At 3 Years and 4 Months 

Children will receive: 

• 4-in-1 pre-school booster
  Protects against:  

• diphtheria  

• tetanus  

• whooping cough  

• polio  

Some children may also receive an MMRV vaccine depending on their date of birth and previous vaccinations. 

At 12 to 13 Years 

• HPV vaccine
  Offered to boys and girls in secondary school to help protect against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).  

At 14 Years 

Teenagers are offered: 

• Td/IPV teenage booster
  Protects against:  

• tetanus  

• diphtheria  

• polio  

• MenACWY vaccine
  Protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.  

Booking Your Child’s Vaccinations 

Vaccinations are usually given at the surgery. We will contact you when your child’s vaccinations are due. 

It is important to attend appointments on time wherever possible, as delaying vaccinations can leave your child unprotected against serious illnesses. 

If you miss an appointment, please contact our reception team to rearrange it. 

Telephone: 01200 401680 

Possible Side Effects 

Most vaccine side effects are mild and short-lived. Common side effects can include: 

• redness or swelling where the injection was given  

• mild fever  

• irritability  

• tiredness  

Serious reactions are extremely rare. 

If you are worried about your child after a vaccination, please contact the practice or seek medical advice. 

More Information 

For the latest NHS vaccination guidance, visit: 

• NHS Vaccinations and When to Have Them  

• UK Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule  

Our healthcare team is always happy to answer any questions you may have about childhood vaccinations. 

Protecting your child through vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to support their long-term health and wellbeing.