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.
For children born on or before 30 June 2024
Vaccinations at 1 year old
At 1 year old, infants will have vaccinations against:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)/Meningococcal group C (MenC)
- meningitis B
- measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- pneumococcal disease
These will be given as four injections
Age 2 - 3 years
Children aged 2 - 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 MMR vaccination to protect against:
- diphtheria
- polio
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
These are given as two injections.
For children born on or after 1 July 2024
Vaccinations at 1 year old
At 1 year old, infants will have vaccinations against:
- meningitis B
- measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- pneumococcal disease
These will be given as three injections.
Vaccinations at 18 months old
At 18 months old, infants will be given vaccinations against:
- measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- polio
- Hib
- hepatitis B
These will be given as two injections.
Age 2 - 3 years
Children aged 2 - 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.
