Childhood vaccinations
It’s important to make sure that your child has all of their routine childhood vaccinations. These vaccinations are free and highly effective - they are the safest way to protect against infectious diseases. If your child isn’t vaccinated, they’re not protected.
To check if your child has missed any vaccines, look in their red book or speak to your GP practice. Click here to read more
Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough spread easily between children who are not vaccinated. These infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability.If your child isn’t vaccinated, they’re not protected.
It is important for parents to take up the offer of the’ free NHS childhood vaccination programme as soon as they are offered to ensure your child has the best protection. However, It’s never too late to have your child vaccinated. Even if your child has missed a vaccination and is older than the recommended ages, talk to your doctor, practice nurse or health visitor to arrange for your child to be vaccinated.
Important facts:
- All childhood vaccinations offered by the NHS have been used in millions of children worldwide and have an excellent safety record.
- Childhood vaccinations give your children the best protection and prevent around 5,000 deaths every year in England. - All the childhood vaccinations are free. For the full timetable visit the NHS website where you can also see how to get them.
- From the 1st january 2026 MMRV will be offered as part of the routine vaccination schedule to protect children from measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella)