Vaccinations for preschool aged children
Boosters are given to preschool aged children at their GP practice to top up immunity from the vaccinations given to babies. Immunity can decrease over time so it’s important to have the booster, even if the child was vaccinated as a baby.
If you think that your child may have missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to check.
From 1 July 2025, the NHS vaccination schedule was updated and the timing of some vaccinations have changed for babies born after 1 July 2024.
If you are unsure or want to check your child's vaccination schedule, please contact your GP.
Children born before 1 July 2024
Age 2 - 3 years
Children aged 2 to 3 years will be given one dose of the influenza vaccine annually to protect against influenza (flu). The vaccine is given each winter because the virus changes and new strains appear. This is given as a nasal spray but there is an injectable option if required.
Age 3 years, 4 months
Children aged 3 years, 4 months will be given a 4-in-1 preschool booster and MMRV vaccination to protect against:
- diphtheria
- polio
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV)
These are given as two injections.
Children born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022 who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine will be offered one dose of the MMRV vaccination given sometime between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2028. Your GP will contact you about this nearer the time.
For children born on or after 1 July 2024
18 months old
At 18 months old, infants will be given vaccinations against:
- measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV)
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- polio
- Hib
- hepatitis B
These will be given as two injections.
Age 2 - 3 years
Children aged 2 to 3 years will be given one dose of the influenza vaccine annually to protect against influenza (flu). The vaccine is given each winter because the virus changes and new strains appear. This is given as a nasal spray but there is an injectable option if required.
Age 3 years, 4 months
Children aged 3 years, 4 months will be given a 4-in-1 preschool booster to protect against:
- diphtheria
- polio
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
This is given as one injection.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has produced a PDF postcard with this information in a timeline that you can download to help you follow your child's vaccine schedule.
Download UKHSA Child Vaccine Schedule [PDF]
