One of the best ways to protect your baby against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis is through immunisation.
Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK – just book your appointments with your GP. Remember, as well as protecting your own baby, you're also protecting other babies and children by preventing the spread of disease.
From July 2025 there is a change to the immunisation schedule with the timings of doses given.
The new schedule will be as follows:
| When | Diseases protected against |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | First DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB First MenB First Rotavirus |
| 12 weeks | Second DTap/IPV/Hib/HepB Second Rotavirus Second MenB |
| 16 weeks | Third DTap/IPV/Hib/HepB First PCV13 |
| 1 year | Third Men B Second PCV13 First MMR |
| 18 Months (From 1st January 2025) | Fourth DTap/IPV/Hib/HepB Second MMR |
| 3 years 4 months | dTaP/IPV Check 2 doses of MMR have been given |
Additional Information:
MenC vaccine which was routinely given at 12 months will be discontinued as this is very well controlled in young children as a result of the vaccine programme.
At this visit, toddlers born on or after 1 July 2024 will be offered a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine and a second dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine.
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Although MenC is well controlled in infants, a booster of Hib vaccine is needed for continued protection and the discontinuation of Hib/MenC given at 12 months leaves a gap. It will also boost immunity to polio. This brings the UK in line with other countries e.g USA, Canada and some European counties, which offer a fourth dose of the primary vaccines.
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The second dose of MMR is being brought forward to 18 months from current 3 years 4 months. Research has shown that offering the second dose earlier improves uptake which is especially important in light of current outbreaks of measles and low coverage in some areas and communities.
From January 2026:
A new vaccine visit has been added at 18 months
At this visit, toddlers born on or after 1 July 2024 will be offered a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine and a second dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine.
-
Although MenC is well controlled in infants, a booster of Hib vaccine is needed for continued protection and the discontinuation of Hib/MenC given at 12 months leaves a gap. It will also boost immunity to polio. This brings the UK in line with other countries e.g USA, Canada and some European counties, which offer a fourth dose of the primary vaccines.
-
The second dose of MMR is being brought forward to 18 months from current 3 years 4 months. Research has shown that offering the second dose earlier improves uptake which is especially important in light of current outbreaks of measles and low coverage in some areas and communities.
