Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Recommended immunisation schedule for children in the United Kingdom:
- From 8 weeks to 16 weeks: Primary immunisations include DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (Infanrix hexa®) at 8, 12, and 16 weeks; meningococcal group B vaccine (MenB - Bexsero®) at 8 and 16 weeks; pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV - Prevenar 13®) at 12 weeks; and rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix®) at 8 and 12 weeks, with precautions for infants born to mothers on immunosuppressive biologics during pregnancy NICE CKS.
- At around 1 year of age: One dose of Hib and meningococcal group C (MenC) vaccine (Hib/MenC) and a booster dose of MenB vaccine are given NICE CKS.
- From 2 to 10 years: Annual live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV - Fluenz Tetra®) from September; if contraindicated, inactivated influenza vaccine is used. At 3 years 4 months, booster doses of DTaP/IPV (Boostrix IPV® or Repevax®) and MMR vaccine (VaxPRO® or Priorix®) are administered NICE CKS.
- From 10 to 25 years: Annual LAIV for those up to 11 years old; HPV vaccine (Gardasil®9) at 12–13 years; at 14 years (school year 9), Td/IPV (Revaxis®) and meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y vaccine (MenACWY - Nimenrix®, Menveo®, or MenQuadfi®) are given. A MenACWY catch-up programme is in place for older adolescents and university entrants up to 25 years NICE CKS.
- BCG vaccination: Offered selectively to neonates at increased risk of tuberculosis based on local incidence and family history, with vaccination soon after birth in high-incidence areas NICE NG33.
Vaccinations are safe, with serious adverse effects very rare; common side effects include pain, swelling, and mild fever. Children with egg allergy can receive MMR vaccine, but caution is advised with some influenza vaccines NICE CKS.