top of page

Childhood Immunisations

New from January 2026: chickenpox protection is being added to the routine programme as part of the combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella).

When to have your child vaccinated

Your child will be invited for vaccinations at key ages. The exact vaccines offered can vary slightly depending on your child’s date of birth.

 

  • 8 weeks: 6-in-1 vaccine, rotavirus, and meningococcal B (MenB).

  • 12 weeks: 6-in-1 vaccine, rotavirus, and meningococcal B (MenB).

  • 16 weeks: 6-in-1 vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine (PCV).

  • 12 months (1 year): first dose of MMRV for eligible children (this replaces MMR from January 2026), plus routine boosters such as MenB and PCV. The Hib/MenC booster is no longer routinely given to children born on or after 1 July 2024.

  • 18 months: a new routine appointment. For eligible children, this includes the second dose of MMRV to provide earlier protection.

  • 3 years 4 months (pre-school): pre-school booster vaccines (including the 4-in-1). Depending on your child’s date of birth, an MMRV dose may be given at this stage instead of at 18 months.

  • Secondary school age: HPV (Year 8), teenage booster (3-in-1), and MenACWY.

💉Routine childhood vaccinations are offered throughout the year and follow the national NHS immunisation schedule. Some are provided in general practice and others by school immunisation teams. If your child has missed any vaccines, we can usually offer catch-up doses.

 

👶 Booking your child’s vaccinesTo book or check your child’s immunisations:

  • Contact reception and ask for a nurse vaccination appointment

  • Bring your child’s Red Book (personal child health record) if you have it

  • Let us know if your child has had vaccines elsewhere or overseas

MMR and MMRV vaccines – what will my child receive?

From January 2026, MMRV is introduced into the routine programme. This includes protection against chickenpox. The timing of the second measles-containing dose is also moving earlier to 18 months for eligible children.

ℹ️For trusted advice about vaccine safety, side effects, and ingredients, visit NHS vaccinations.

 

You may find the following official guidance helpful if you would like more detailed information about the introduction of the chickenpox (MMRV) vaccine:

 

These resources provide more detailed national guidance. If you have questions about your child’s vaccinations, our practice team will be happy to help.

MMR and MMRV schedule by date of birth

  • Born on or after 1 January 2025

  • Born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024

  • Born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024

  • Born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022

  • Born on or before 31 December 2019

 

If you are unsure which vaccines your child should receive, please book as normal when invited — the practice team will make sure the correct vaccines are offered.See the latest NHS guidance: NHS vaccination schedule and guidance .

How do I book my child’s vaccinations?

Our nurses will contact you when it is time to book your child’s vaccination. You will receive a text message with a booking link so you will be able to choose the time and location of your appointment. If you’re unsure which vaccines your child needs, please book as normal when invited — we’ll make sure the correct vaccines are offered for your child’s age and date of birth.

bottom of page