Getting your baby immunised is important as it helps protect them against serious infection and disease. Some vaccines provide immunity that lasts a lifetime, but sometimes to get full protection, the immunity has to be built up gradually through regular repeated doses. The immunisation schedule is designed to give your baby maximum protection¹. It should be followed even if your baby is premature, as premature babies have lower immunity than full-term babies².

Baby immunisations during the first year

Your baby will be offered the following vaccinations⁴:

At 8 weeks

• Their first dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B.
• Meningococcal group B disease (MenB).
• Rotavirus.

At 12 weeks

• Their second dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine.
• Pneumococcal disease.
• Rotavirus.

At 16 weeks

• Their third dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine.
• Meningococcal group B disease (MenB).

At 12 months

• Hib/meningococcal group C (MenC).
  
• Pneumococcal disease booster.
• Measles, mumps and rubella (German measles).
• Meningococcal group B disease (MenB).

Travel vaccinations for babies

If you are planning to travel in their first year, check with your healthcare professional if your baby needs additional immunisation⁴. Some vaccines, like hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera, should be free through the NHS⁵.

Baby care after their vaccination

Vaccinations can be a little overwhelming for babies and they may cry for a little while after the appointment, but they’ll feel much better after a cuddle⁶.

Some babies may experience minor temporary side effects, including: 

• A raised temperature or fever.
• Irritability.
  
• Tenderness or redness at the injection site.

If your baby gets a fever, you can give them infant paracetamol, but make sure you follow the instructions carefully.