Routine vaccination schedule
Vaccinations are the best way to protect your baby against many childhood illnesses, for example measles, meningitis and rubella.
There are several routine vaccinations that will be offered to your child from the age of eight weeks. Vaccinations are quick, safe and extremely effective. Once your child has been vaccinated against a disease, their body can fight it off better. If a child isn’t vaccinated, they’re at higher risk of catching – and becoming very ill from – the illness.
Leaflets to national vaccination schedules up to 1 year
A guide to immunisations up to one year, for children born on or after the 1st January 2020
Leaflets to national vaccination schedules from 1 year
Vaccinations during COVID
BCG vaccination leaflet
The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB). It is not part of the routine vaccination schedule but may be given in certain circumstances.
Due to the rapidly falling rates of Tuberculosis (TB) in all of London and Western Europe, the BCG vaccine will no longer be required for all newborn babies as of September 2020.
Some children under 1 year old will still receive the BCG vaccine. If your baby meets the criteria for requiring a BCG your; midwife, health visitor or other health professional will inform you and refer you to the immunisation team.
Find out more by reading the leaflet below.
Why is my child being offered unlicenced BCG(TB) vaccine?
Download the leaflet below.
Flu vaccine for 2 & 3 year olds
Flu is a dangerous virus that can be harmful to children and kills thousands of people each year. Young children catch influenza very easily, each winter 5-20% of adults will be infected with flu, whilst 30-50% of children are infected. Vaccinating children reduces the risk of influenza for family, childcare staff and other children. The vaccine is provided by your GP practice.
Flu can cause serious complications for you and your baby, there’s no “just” about it. The free flu vaccine is the best protection for both of you. Ask your GP or pharmacist.
Can I have vaccinations when I am pregnant?
Yes you can, but you should always discuss with your midwife or doctor. During pregnancy your immune system is naturally weakened to protect the pregnancy, this can mean you’re less able to fight infections. Some vaccinations such as the inactivated seasonal flu vaccine and the whopping cough vaccine are recommended during pregnancy too protect the health or you and your baby.
If you would like more information on vaccines in pregnancy, including COVID-19 vaccination please click here for further information.
