Vaccination schedule for babies, toddlers, and young children: catching up on missed vaccines

1. Vaccinations for babies (0-12 months)

The first year of life is critical for a baby’s development and protection. Several vaccines are given in the first few months to protect against potentially life-threatening diseases. In the UK it is recommended the following vaccines for babies:

• At 8 weeks:
  • DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6-in-1 vaccine): protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, haemophilus influenzae type b (hib), and hepatitis b.
  • Rotavirus vaccine: protects against rotavirus, which can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
  • MenB vaccine: protects against meningitis b.
• At 12 weeks:
  • DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6-in-1 vaccine): second dose to strengthen immunity.
  • Rotavirus vaccine (second dose): provides further protection against rotavirus.
  • Pneumococcal vaccine (pcv): first dose.
• At 16 weeks:
  • DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6-in-1 vaccine): third and final dose.
  • MenB vaccine (second dose): boosts immunity against meningitis b.
  • After 16 weeks additional vaccines are available, including Meningitis C and pneumococcal vaccines, and schedules may vary internationally.

In addition to these routine vaccines, babies should also receive their first dose of the flu vaccine at the start of their second winter if they are in a high-risk group.

2. Vaccinations for toddlers (1-4 years)

As your baby grows into a toddler, continuing vaccinations remains crucial to ensure ongoing protection against harmful diseases. At this stage, toddlers typically receive booster shots to maintain immunity and prevent the spread of illnesses.

• At 1 year:
  • Mmr vaccine: protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is usually given in two doses, the first at 1 year and the second at 3 years and 4 months.
  • Menc vaccine: protects against meningitis c.
  • Pneumococcal vaccine (pcv): fourth dose to ensure continued protection against pneumococcal infections.
  • MenB vaccine (third dose): boosts immunity against meningitis b.
• At 3 years and 4 months:
  • Dtap/ipv (4-in-1 vaccine): protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), and polio. This is the booster dose following the vaccines administered in infancy.
  • Mmr vaccine (second dose): given to ensure lifelong immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.

These vaccinations continue to protect your toddler from serious diseases, including those that can lead to hospitalisation or long-term complications.

Varicella ( chicken pox) and hepatitis a vaccines are also available from 1 year of age.

3. Vaccinations for young children (5-12 years)

Vaccinations continue to be important as children grow, helping to maintain immunity and provide additional protection against more diseases. By the age of 5, children are usually up-to-date with their routine vaccines, but there are still a few crucial vaccinations to receive during these years.

• At 4 years (before starting school):
  • Dtap/ipv (4-in-1 vaccine): a final booster dose for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio.
  • Mmr vaccine (second dose): provides lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• At 12 years:
  • Hpv vaccine: given to both girls and boys to protect against the human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer and other cancers.
  • Menacwy vaccine: protects against four strains of meningococcal disease (a, c, w, and y).

While children between 5 and 12 years may not receive many new vaccinations, it’s still vital to ensure they remain up-to-date with their immunisations. Parents should keep a close eye on the vaccination schedule to ensure they don’t miss any appointments, especially as children begin school.

4. Catching up on missed vaccines

Sometimes, due to illness, missed appointments, or other reasons, vaccines may be delayed or missed. If your child has missed any of their scheduled vaccinations, it’s important to get them caught up as soon as possible. Here’s what to do:

• Talk to your healthcare provider: if your child has missed any vaccines, consult with your doctor or health visitor. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and may schedule catch-up appointments for missed doses.
• Catch-up vaccinations: depending on how far behind your child is, your GP or paediatrician may recommend extra doses or adjusted schedules to ensure that your child is fully protected. The healthcare provider will assess the situation and make sure your child receives the necessary vaccines.
• Vaccines are safe at any age: it’s never too late to get your child vaccinated. Even if they’re older than the typical age range for certain vaccines, they can still benefit from protection. Some vaccines may require slightly different doses or schedules, but they are still effective at any age.

5. Why vaccines are important

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious illnesses. They help reduce the risk of catching or spreading diseases, which is especially important for public health. By staying on top of your child’s vaccinations, you are not only protecting them but also contributing to the safety and well-being of the wider community.

Vaccines prevent diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and whooping cough, all of which were once widespread and deadly. Thanks to vaccines, these diseases are much less common today, but they are still a threat, which is why it's so important to follow the vaccination schedule and catch up on missed vaccines.

Conclusion

Keeping your child’s vaccinations up-to-date is one of the best ways to protect their health and ensure they can grow up safe from serious diseases. Whether you’re preparing for a baby’s first vaccines, ensuring your toddler stays protected, or keeping your young child up-to-date with the necessary boosters, vaccination is key. If you’ve missed any appointments, don’t worry—catching up is simple and essential for their protection.

For more detailed information on the NHS vaccination schedule, visit the NHS vaccination page.

Sources:

• NHS website: vaccination schedule for babies and children.
• Public health England: catching up on missed vaccinations.

Disclaimer: the information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and treatment recommendations.