Toddler

Your toddler's vaccination and immunisation schedule

One of the best ways to protect your child against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis is through immunisations.

group of toddlers at playgroup

Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK – just book your appointments with your GP. Remember, as well as protecting your own child, you're also protecting others by preventing the spread of disease.

Coronavirus update

Routine vaccinations for babies and pre-school children are continuing as normal.

It's important to go to your appointments unless you, your child or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus.

1 year:

  • Hib/MenC vaccine – given as a single jab containing vaccines against meningitis C (1st dose) and Hib (4th dose)
  • MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) – given as a single jab
  • PCV (pneumococcal) – 3rd dose
  • MenB vaccine – 3rd dose

2-11 years (including children in Reception and school years 1 to 7):

3 years and 4 months:

  • MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) – 2nd dose
  • 4-in-1 pre-school booster – given as a single jab containing vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough or pertussis, and polio.

Quick guide to your child's vaccinations

  • PCV or "pneumo jab" protects against pneumococcal infections, which can lead to pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis

  • MenB protects against meningitis and sepsis

  • Hib/MenC protects against haemophilus influenzae (a bacterium that can cause serious illnesses) and meningitis C

  • MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles)

  • 4-in-1 boosts protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio

  • Flu given as a nasal spray and protects your child against getting the flu

The flu vaccine

2-11 years (children in Reception and school years 1 to 7)

Children tend to be super-spreaders of flu, so if they get it they can infect other vulnerable or older family members. The symptoms are the same as adults, including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat. Some develop a very high fever or complications of flu, such as bronchitis or pneumonia and may need hospital treatment.

The flu vaccine helps protect your child from flu and reduces the chance of them spreading it. For most children, the flu vaccine is a quick and easy nasal spray.

Pre-school children (aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2020) receive the vaccine through their GP. School children (4 to 11 years) receive it in school. You'll be asked to sign a consent form allowing them to have the vaccine at school.

The "red book"

The Personal Child Health Record is also known as the "red book" or PCHR. It's used to record your child's weight and height, vaccinations they've been given and other important health information. You can also add information yourself – it's a great way of keeping track of your child's progress. Remember to take it with you for appointments at the clinic, GP or hospital.

An online version – the eRedbook – is being trialled in some areas in the UK. Sign up via the link if you're interested in participating in the trial or being kept up–to–date with the developments.

Health and development checks

Health checks are very important – they're an opportunity to check your child is developing properly.

They're usually carried out by your health visitor either at your home, GP surgery, baby clinic or children's centre. These development checks are also a good opportunity for you to raise any concerns you might have.

Your child's very first health check takes place shortly after they're born, and continue until they are 2 to 2 1/2 years old.

Toddler

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