Child Immunisations

 

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Childhood immunisations

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).

image of child being immunised

 

Vaccination schedule

Age

Schedule
8 Weeks

First DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB 

First MenB 

First Rotavirus
12 weeks

Second DTap/IPV/Hib/HepB;

Second Rotavirus;

Second MenB
16 weeks

Third DTap/IPV/Hib/HepB

First PCV13
1 year

Third Men B

Second PCV13

First MMR
18 months (new appointment)

Fourth DTap/IPV/Hib/HepB

Second MMR
3 years 4 months

dTaP/IPV

Check 2 doses of MMR have been given