Childhood Immunisations – Pendleside Medical Practice

Information on UK Childhood Immunisations

At Pendleside Medical Practice, we understand the importance of protecting your child’s health. Immunisations are a key part of ensuring your child is safe from many serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Here is a comprehensive guide to childhood immunisations in the UK based on the NHS vaccination schedule.

Why Immunisations Are Important

Immunisations, also known as vaccinations, help protect children from a range of serious diseases. They work by stimulating the immune system to build up resistance to infections. When a child is immunised, they are not only protected themselves but also help prevent the spread of diseases within the community.

The UK Immunisation Schedule

The UK has a well-established immunisation schedule for children, starting from birth through to teenage years. Below is the standard schedule:

Vaccines for Babies Under 1 Year Old

At 8 Weeks:

6-in-1 Vaccine: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B.
Rotavirus Vaccine: Protects against rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhoea and sickness.
MenB Vaccine: Protects against meningococcal group B bacteria.

At 12 Weeks:

6-in-1 Vaccine (2nd Dose)
Pneumococcal Vaccine: Protects against pneumococcal infections.
Rotavirus Vaccine (2nd Dose)

At 16 Weeks:

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

Vaccines for Children Aged 1 to 15

At 1 Year:

Hib/MenC Vaccine (1st Dose): Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b and meningococcal group C.
MMR Vaccine (1st Dose): Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Pneumococcal Vaccine (2nd Dose)
MenB Vaccine (3rd Dose)

Annually from Age 2 to 15 Years:

Children's Flu Vaccine: Given as a nasal spray each year until children finish Year 11 of secondary school.

At 3 Years and 4 Months:

MMR Vaccine (2nd Dose)
4-in-1 Pre-school Booster Vaccine: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio.

At 12 to 13 Years:

HPV Vaccine: Protects against human papillomavirus, given to both boys and girls.

At 14 Years:

Td/IPV Vaccine (3-in-1 Teenage Booster): Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
MenACWY Vaccine: Protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y.

Booking and Attending Immunisation Appointments

Immunisations are typically administered at the surgery. You will receive reminders from us when immunisations are due. It is important to attend these appointments to ensure your child is fully protected.

If you miss an appointment, contact our reception team to reschedule. Delaying immunisations can leave your child vulnerable to diseases.

Possible Side Effects

Vaccines are thoroughly tested to ensure they are safe and effective. However, like all medications, they can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as:

Redness or swelling at the injection site
Slight fever
Irritability or tiredness

Serious side effects are extremely rare. If you have concerns about vaccine side effects, speak to a clinician or health visitor.

Additional Information and Support

For more detailed information on the UK childhood immunisation schedule, visit the NHS website or speak to our healthcare team. We can answer any questions you may have about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

Ensuring your child receives their scheduled immunisations is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their health and wellbeing.

For any questions or to schedule an immunisation appointment, please contact us on: 01200 401680.