Vaccinations for children and young people

Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health. They prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year. However, if people stop having vaccines, it’s possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.

Vaccinations for younger children

Measles and chickenpox – protect your child with the MMRV vaccine

The routine childhood immunisation programme now offers a MMRV vaccine – which protects against four serious illnesses – measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.  

Why is this vaccination so important?

Measles spreads very easily between people who aren’t vaccinated. You can catch it just by spending time in the same room as someone. And it can cause children and people with a weakened immune system to be very unwell. 

Over the past few months there have been more measles cases in some parts of the country. The disease is spreading because not enough children have been vaccinated. The NHS is encouraging all parents to make sure that their children have been vaccinated on time. Please check the NHS website to find out when vaccines will be offered and contact your GP practice if your child has missed out.

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. If you think your child might have measles, check symptoms on the NHS website. Keep your child at home and call your GP Practice for advice first. 

Flu vaccines for children

Flu vaccine nasal sprays for children are available every September. 2-3 year olds will be invited into their GP practice or can have the spray at a pharmacy. Children of school age will have theirs at school from a visiting nursing team.

It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.

Vaccines for teenagers and young people

Some vaccinations are offered to children during secondary school.

HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) which cuases most cervical cancers as well as some other cancers. It’s recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV. It is usually offered during school year 8 to both boys and girls.

3-in-1 teenage booster and MenACWY vaccines

The 3-in-1 booster and MenACWY vaccines are offered to children in year 9 at school. You can still ask your GP for this vaccine until your 25th birthday.

MenB vaccine

From 20 July 2026, you’ll be able to get the MenB vaccine if you’re aged 24 or under and are starting university or some types of residential further education for the first time. The MenB vaccine protects against serious infections including meningitis.