Vaccinations

The NHS Vaccination Schedule

image of a mother and daughter, who is being tickled on mum's lap as they laugh

Here's a checklist of the vaccines that are routinely offered to everyone in the UK for free on the NHS, and the ages at which they should ideally be given.

If you're not sure whether you or your child have had all your routine vaccinations, ask your GP or practice nurse to find out for you. It may be possible to "catch up" later in life.

Try to make sure you or your child have vaccinations delivered on time to ensure protection. Most child vaccinations will be carried out at school.

2 months

5-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib) vaccine – this single jab contains vaccines to protect against five separate diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (known as Hib – a bacterial infection that can cause severe pneumonia or meningitis in young children)
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine
Rotavirus vaccine

3 months

5-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib) vaccine, second dose
Meningitis C
Rotavirus vaccine, second dose

4 months

5-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib) vaccine, third dose
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine, second dose

Between 12 and 13 months

Hib/Men C booster, given as a single jab containing meningitis C (second dose) and Hib (fourth dose)
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, given as a single jab
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine, third dose

2, 3 and 4 years

Children's flu vaccine (annual)

3 years and 4 months, or soon after

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, second dose
4-in-1 (DTaP/IPV) pre-school booster, given as a single jab containing vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and polio

Around 12-13 years (girls only)

HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer – two injections given between six months and 2 years apart

Around 13-18 years

3-in-1 (Td/IPV) teenage booster, given as a single jab and contains vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and polio

Around 13-15 years

Meningitis C booster

18-25 years

Men C vaccine for students

50 and over

Flu (every year)
Pneumococcal (PPV) vaccine (over 65 years)

70 years (and 78 and 79 year-olds as a catch-up)

Shingles vaccine