Makindo Medical Notes

Childhood Vaccination Timings in the UK

The UK childhood vaccination schedule is designed to protect children from various infectious diseases. The schedule outlines the recommended ages for children to receive specific vaccines.

Vaccination Schedule

• At Birth:
  • BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): For babies at high risk of tuberculosis (TB).
• 8 Weeks:
  • 6-in-1 Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B)
  • Pneumococcal (PCV)
  • Rotavirus
  • MenB (Meningococcal B)
• 12 Weeks:
  • 6-in-1 Vaccine (second dose)
  • Rotavirus (second dose)
• 16 Weeks:
  • 6-in-1 Vaccine (third dose)
  • Pneumococcal (PCV) (second dose)
  • MenB (second dose)
• 1 Year:
  • Hib/MenC (Haemophilus influenzae type b and Meningococcal C)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) (first dose)
  • Pneumococcal (PCV) (third dose)
  • MenB (third dose)
• 2-3 Years (during flu season):
  • Flu Vaccine (annually)
• 3 Years 4 Months:
  • 4-in-1 Pre-school Booster (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio)
  • MMR (second dose)
• 12-13 Years (Girls):
  • HPV Vaccine (two doses 6-12 months apart)
• 14 Years:
  • 3-in-1 Teenage Booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio)
  • MenACWY (Meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y)

Special Cases

• High-Risk Groups:
  • Children with underlying health conditions may require additional vaccines or an altered schedule.
• Travel Vaccinations:
  • Depending on the travel destination, additional vaccines may be required (e.g., Yellow fever, Hepatitis A).

Summary

The UK childhood vaccination schedule is designed to protect children from a variety of serious diseases. It is important for parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive vaccinations on time to maintain optimal health and immunity.