The NHS vaccination schedule for babies
Your baby's vaccinations start at 8 weeks and continue through the first few years of life. Here's what's given, when, and what's different in Havering.
How the schedule works
The NHS childhood vaccination schedule is designed so that babies build immunity as quickly as possible against the diseases most dangerous in early life. Vaccines are given in a specific sequence because timing matters — some need multiple doses spaced weeks or months apart to be effective.
You don't need to remember the dates yourself. Your GP surgery will send you reminders, and your baby's red book (Personal Child Health Record) has a page for recording each vaccine given.
If your baby misses a vaccine or falls behind, contact us and we'll catch them up. Partially vaccinated children can still receive the remaining doses.
The schedule at a glance
8 weeks
6-in-1 vaccine
InjectionDiphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), hepatitis B
Rotavirus vaccine
Oral dropsProtects against rotavirus — the most common cause of severe diarrhoea and vomiting in babies
Men B vaccine
InjectionMeningococcal group B — the main cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK
12 weeks
6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose)
InjectionSecond dose of the combined vaccine
Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)
Oral dropsFinal dose — must be given before 24 weeks of age
PCV (pneumococcal) vaccine
InjectionProtects against pneumococcal infections including pneumonia and meningitis
16 weeks
6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose)
InjectionFinal dose of the combined vaccine
Men B vaccine (2nd dose)
InjectionSecond dose
12–13 months
Hib/Men C vaccine
InjectionHaemophilus influenzae type b and meningococcal group C
MMR vaccine
InjectionMeasles, mumps, and rubella
PCV (pneumococcal) booster
InjectionBooster dose
Men B booster
InjectionThird and final dose
2–3 years (and annually)
Flu vaccine
Nasal sprayOffered annually from age 2 onwards, usually in autumn. Nasal spray in most children
3 years 4 months
MMR booster
InjectionSecond dose of measles, mumps, and rubella
4-in-1 pre-school booster
InjectionDiphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio
BCG vaccination in Havering
The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB). It isn't part of the routine NHS schedule for all babies — it's offered to babies who are at higher risk, based on family history and where parents were born or have lived.
BCG in Havering from September 2024
BCG vaccinations in Havering are now delivered by Vaccination UK — a separate service from your GP surgery. Your health visitor or GP will let you know if your baby should receive BCG, and can refer you. You can also contact Vaccination UK directly.
0208 214 1380— Vaccination UKAfter each vaccination — what's normal
Some reaction after vaccinations is normal and a sign that your baby's immune system is responding:
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site
- Mild fever — particularly after Men B vaccines at 8 weeks and the booster at 12–13 months
- Fussiness, crying, or being more clingy than usual for 24–48 hours
Infant paracetamol (such as Calpol) is recommended by the NHS to ease fever and discomfort after Men B vaccines — even if your baby doesn't have a temperature yet. Check the correct dose for your baby's weight with your GP or practice nurse beforehand.
When to seek advice
- A high fever (38°C or above) that lasts more than 48 hours
- Persistent crying that you can't settle for more than 3 hours
- A seizure or fit
- Severe swelling at the injection site
- You're worried — trust your instincts and call us or NHS 111
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. NHS vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored. The diseases they prevent — whooping cough, meningitis, measles — can be life-threatening in babies. The benefits of vaccination are well-established and far outweigh the risks of the diseases themselves.
If you have questions or concerns about any vaccine, your GP or practice nurse is happy to discuss them with you.
Useful links
Questions about your baby's vaccinations?
Our practice nurses and GPs are happy to talk through the schedule, what to expect, or any concerns you have.