Vaccinations your baby will need

There are nine childhood vaccinations routinely offered to babies as part of the pre-school immunisation programme. The BCG (which protects against tuberculosis) and hepatitis B immunisations are also offered to babies considered at high-risk of catching these diseases.

Diphtheria

Babies are offered the diphtheria immunisation at:

• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 16 weeks

The diphtheria vaccine is given by an injection, which also contains the tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib vaccines. It is also given before starting school and also between 13 and 18 years.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Babies are offered the Hib immunisation at:

• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 16 weeks

The Hib vaccine is given by injection, which also contains the diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough vaccines.

Measles

Children are offered the measles vaccine at:

• 12 months
• 15 months

The measles vaccine is given via an injection known as the MMR, which also contains the mumps and rubella vaccines. A pre-school booster immunisation is also given.

Meningitis C

Babies are offered the meningitis C immunisation at:

• 12 weeks
• 16 weeks

The meningitis C vaccine is given in a separate injection to the DTa/IPV/Hib.

Mumps

Children are offered the mumps vaccine at:

• 12 months
• 15 months

The mumps vaccine is given via an injection known as the MMR, which also contains the measles and rubella vaccines. A pre-school booster is also given.

Pneumococcal infection (PCV)

Babies are offered the PCV immunisation at:

• 8 weeks
• 16 weeks

The vaccine against pneumococcal infection is given as a seperate injection known as the PCV.

Polio

Babies are offered the polio vaccine at:

• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 16 weeks

The polio vaccine is usually given orally at the same time as the DTa/IPV/Hib injection, along with the meningitis C injection.

Rubella

Children are offered the rubella vaccine at:

• 12 months
• 15 months

Before the rubella vaccine was introduced in 1970, there were about 70 cases a year of congenital rubella syndrome, but since 1990 there have only been 46 cases and only one case was reported between 1997 and 1999. Rubella is given as part of the MMR vaccination, which also contains the mumps and measles vaccines. A pre-school booster is also given.

Tetanus

Babies are offered the immunisation at:

• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 16 weeks

Plus children are usually offered the tetanus immunisation three times:

• As a baby (in three doses)
• Before starting school
• Once between 13 and 18 years

When a child has had five doses it is thought that immunisation will be lifelong and no more boosters are needed.