The NHS vaccination schedule for babies explained
A complete guide to what vaccinations your baby needs and when — from 8 weeks to 1 year. Includes what each vaccine protects against and what to expect.
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.
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
Men B vaccine (2nd dose)
InjectionSecond dose
16 weeks
6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose)
InjectionFinal dose of the combined vaccine
PCV (pneumococcal) vaccine
InjectionFirst dose; protects against pneumococcal infections including pneumonia and meningitis
1 year
MMRV vaccine (1st dose)
InjectionMeasles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox; this schedule applies to children born on or after 1 January 2025
PCV (pneumococcal) vaccine (2nd dose)
InjectionSecond dose
Men B vaccine (3rd dose)
InjectionThird and final dose
18 months
6-in-1 vaccine (4th dose)
InjectionFourth dose for children born on or after 1 July 2024
MMRV vaccine (2nd dose)
InjectionSecond dose for children born on or after 1 July 2024
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 is offered only to babies at higher risk
The provider and referral route can change. Your health visitor, midwife, or GP team can tell you whether your baby is eligible and how the current local service is arranged.
After 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
- Fussiness, crying, or being more clingy than usual for 24–48 hours
Follow the advice given at the vaccination appointment and in the current NHS MenB guidance about infant paracetamol. Check the correct product and dose with a clinician or pharmacist; do not use an adult product.
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
- NHS vaccinations and when to have them (opens in a new tab)
- Why vaccination is safe and important — NHS (opens in a new tab)
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.