Why are baby Immunisations important?

Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases.

Immunity is the body's way of preventing disease. Because a baby's immune system is not fully developed at birth, babies face a greater risk of becoming infected and getting seriously ill.

It's much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you for many years.


NHS vaccinations and when your baby should have them


8 weeks
  • 6-in-1 vaccine
  • Rotavirus vaccine
  • MenB vaccine


12 weeks
  • 6-in-1 vaccine (2nd dose)
  • Pneumococcal vaccine
  • Rotavirus vaccine (2nd dose)


16 weeks
  • 6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose)
  • MenB vaccine (2nd dose)


1 year
  • Hib/MenC vaccine (1st dose)
  • MMR vaccine (1st dose)
  • Pneumococcal vaccine (2nd dose)
  • MenB vaccine (3rd dose)


Click here for more information on your baby's immunisations


How to book your baby's immunisations

You'll usually be contacted by your GP surgery when your child is due for a routine vaccination. This could be a letter, text, phone call or email. If you know your child is due for a vaccination, you can speak to your GP surgery to book the appointment. You do not need to wait to hear from them.

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