Vaccinations for babies
It is important that babies have vaccinations at the right age to protect them from potentially serious diseases as early as possible. The first are given at 8 weeks old with further vaccines offered at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. All childhood vaccinations are free.
Most vaccines have to be given more than once to prepare a child’s immunity. Booster doses are also given later in life to provide longer-term protection.
If a baby misses a vaccine, they can pick up the vaccination schedule where it stopped without having to start again.
Below is information on the vaccination programme for babies. Details can also be found in a child's personal child health record (PCHR) or red book.
Vaccinations at 8 weeks old
At 8 weeks old, babies will have vaccinations against:
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- polio
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- hepatitis B
- rotavirus
- meningococcal group B disease (MenB)
These will be given as two injections and drops in the mouth.
Vaccinations at 12 weeks old
At 12 weeks old, babies will have vaccinations against:
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- polio
- Hib
- hepatitis B
- rotavirus
- MenB
These will be given as two injections and drops in the mouth.
Vaccinations at 16 weeks old
At 16 weeks old, babies will have vaccinations against:
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- polio
- Hib
- hepatitis B
- pneumococcal disease
These will be given as two injections.
