Most vaccinations are given during childhood. Some are given more than once to make sure the protection continues. This is called a booster. Other vaccinations may be given at different times, depending on when they’re needed.
Childhood vaccinations
The recommended timetable for childhood vaccinations is shown below. For more general information, see about vaccinations.
At two months old:
At three months old:
- diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (DTaP/IPV/Hib): one injection
- meningitis C (meningococcal group C or MenC): one injection
At four months old:
- diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (DTaP/IPV/Hib): one injection
- pneumococcal infections - pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV): one injection
- meningitis C (meningococcal group C or MenC): one injection
Between 12 and 13 months old:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningitis C (Hib/MenC): one injection
- pneumococcal infections (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV]): one injection
- measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) (MMR): one injection
Three years and four months old, or soon after:
- diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (DTaP/IPV or dTaP/IPV): one injection
- measles, mumps and rubella (German measles or MMR): one injection
Around 12-13 years old:
- cervical cancer (HPV vaccine): three injections for girls only, ideally given over a period of six months, although they can all be given over a period of 12 months
Between 13 to 18 years old:
- diphtheria, tetanus and polio (Td/IPV): one injection
Vaccinations for older people
People who are 65 or over also need some vaccinations:
Other vaccinations
Other vaccinations are given in some situations, for example, to:
- people at risk of complications if they develop the condition
- healthcare workers who may come into contact with the disease
These vaccinations include:
Vaccinations may also be necessary for people travelling to areas where there may be serious diseases, such as typhoid or yellow fever. For more information, see Which vaccinations do I need to travel abroad?
Get a personalised, printable planner of your child's vaccinations, based on their date of birth here.
Read the answers to more questions about vaccinations.
Further information:
