# Baby Vaccination Schedule UK: Every Jab from 8 Weeks to Preschool > Source: https://clevermum.co.uk/baby/baby-vaccination-schedule-uk/ · Updated: 2026-09-25 · Publisher: Clever Mum (clevermum.co.uk) > > The NHS baby and child vaccination schedule for 2026, age by age: 8, 12 and 16 weeks, 1 year, the new 18-month MMRV appointment and the preschool booster. Baby [CP](/authors/parenting-desk/) By [Clever Mum Parenting](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides Published 25 September 2026 ![Timeline of NHS baby vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, 1 year, 18 months and 3 years 4 months](/images/content/baby-vaccination-schedule-uk.webp) Quick answer — When does a baby have their first vaccinations in the UK? On the NHS schedule, babies have vaccines at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, then at 1 year, 18 months and 3 years 4 months. Since January 2026 the MMRV vaccine also protects against chickenpox, and children born on or after 1 July 2024 have an extra appointment at 18 months. Your GP surgery should invite you. Who should skip this Skip this if your child has a medical condition that changes their schedule, was born early, or has missed doses. Ask your GP practice nurse, who can check their record and arrange catch-up vaccines. 4 minute read · Sources linked below ### On this page — jump to a section The routine childhood vaccination schedule in the UK changed in 2025 and again from 1 January 2026, when the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, which is chickenpox) replaced MMR and an 18-month appointment was added. If a friend's older child had a different set of jabs, that is probably why. ## What vaccines do babies have in the UK? This is the NHS routine schedule for babies and young children in the UK: | Age | Vaccines | Protects against | | --- | --- | --- | | 8 weeks | 6-in-1 (1st dose), MenB (1st dose), rotavirus (1st dose) | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, hepatitis B; meningococcal group B; rotavirus gastroenteritis | | 12 weeks | 6-in-1 (2nd dose), MenB (2nd dose), rotavirus (2nd dose) | As above | | 16 weeks | 6-in-1 (3rd dose), pneumococcal (1st dose) | As above, plus pneumococcal infections | | 1 year | MMRV (1st dose), pneumococcal (2nd dose), MenB (3rd dose) | Measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox; pneumococcal; MenB | | 18 months | 6-in-1 (4th dose) and MMRV | For children born on or after 1 July 2024 | | 3 years 4 months | 4-in-1 preschool booster, plus MMRV for some children | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio | | 2 years to Year 11 | Children's flu vaccine every year | Flu (usually a nasal spray) | Rotavirus vaccine is given as drops by mouth. Most other baby vaccines go into the thigh. ## What changed in 2026? - **MMRV replaced MMR.**From 1 January 2026, children are offered MMRV, which adds protection against chickenpox. - **A new 18-month appointment.**Children born on or after 1 July 2024 have a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 and a dose of MMRV at 18 months. UKHSA's schedule lists no 18-month appointment for children born on or before 30 June 2024. - **The preschool visit depends on birth date.**At 3 years 4 months, children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2024 may also be offered MMRV, as well as the 4-in-1 booster. - **Pneumococcal at 16 weeks and 1 year.**The first pneumococcal dose is now at 16 weeks, not 12 weeks. If your child was born around the cut-off dates, the surgery works out which version of the schedule applies from their date of birth. ## What vaccines are offered in pregnancy? Three vaccines help protect you and your newborn: | Vaccine | When | Why it matters for your baby | | --- | --- | --- | | Whooping cough (pertussis) | From 16 weeks; the NHS says usually around 20 weeks | Antibodies pass to your baby before they can be vaccinated at 8 weeks | | RSV | From 28 weeks | Helps protect your baby against RSV, the main cause of bronchiolitis | | Flu | Any stage of pregnancy during flu season | Protects you, and your baby in their first months | Ask your midwife or GP surgery if you have not been offered them. ## What should I do after my baby's vaccinations? - **After MenB at 8 and 12 weeks:**the NHS advises giving liquid infant paracetamol to reduce the chance of a fever. Give 1 dose as soon as possible after the vaccination, a 2nd dose 4 to 6 hours later and a 3rd dose 4 to 6 hours after that. Use the dose on the packet or the one your nurse gives you. - **Expect some side effects.**Swelling or soreness where the needle went in, a high temperature, tiredness, irritability and loss of appetite are common and usually get better within 1 or 2 days. - **Know when to get help.**Our [fever guide](/baby/when-to-take-baby-fever-to-ae/) explains the warning signs that need urgent care, whether or not your baby was just vaccinated. ## What if my baby misses a vaccination? Book the next available appointment with your GP surgery. You do not usually need to start the course again. The practice can check your child's record and red book, and plan any catch-up doses. Vaccinations are free on the NHS, and you can ask the nurse questions at the appointment. ## Are vaccines safe for babies? All vaccines in the UK programme are licensed after safety testing and are monitored once in use. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Serious reactions such as anaphylaxis are rare, and staff giving vaccines are trained to deal with them. If your child had a reaction to a previous dose, or has a condition affecting their immune system, tell the nurse before the appointment. ## What questions come up most? ### When does a baby have their first vaccinations in the UK? At 8 weeks old. They are offered the 6-in-1 vaccine, the MenB vaccine and the rotavirus vaccine. Further doses follow at 12 and 16 weeks, then at 1 year and 18 months. ### Is the chickenpox vaccine given on the NHS now? Yes. From 1 January 2026 the NHS offers the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella). It replaces MMR in the routine schedule. ### What vaccines are given at 1 year? At 1 year, children are offered MMRV (first dose for children born on or after 1 January 2025), the second pneumococcal dose and the third MenB dose. ### Should I give paracetamol after baby vaccinations? The NHS advises liquid infant paracetamol after MenB vaccination at 8 and 12 weeks: 3 doses, the first as soon as possible after the jab and then 4 to 6 hours apart. Follow the dose on the packet or the dose your nurse gives you. ### What happens at the 18-month vaccination appointment? Children born on or after 1 July 2024 are offered a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine and a dose of MMRV at 18 months. Children born on or before 30 June 2024 do not have an 18-month appointment. ## Sources & further reading Research basis: the published sources listed below. A source-check date appears only when the cited material has been reviewed. - [NHS vaccinations and when to have them](https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/) — NHS - [The complete routine immunisation schedule](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-complete-routine-immunisation-schedule) — UK Health Security Agency - [MenB vaccine](https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/menb-vaccine-for-children/) — NHS ## At a glance First vaccinations 8 weeks old Baby appointments 8, 12 and 16 weeks Chickenpox vaccine MMRV, from 1 January 2026 New appointment 18 months (born on/after 1 July 2024) Cost Free on the NHS Our promise Health-adjacent points cite NHS or equivalent guidance. This article is general information, not medical advice — see our [editorial policy](/editorial-policy/). ## Keep reading [![Digital thermometer ready for checking a baby’s temperature at home](/images/content/common-childhood-illnesses-when-to-worry.webp) Baby ### When to Take a Baby with a Fever to A&E (UK) NHS-aligned UK guide to baby fever: exact °C thresholds by age, when to call 999 or 111, safe home care, and red flags that mean skip the wait.](/baby/when-to-take-baby-fever-to-ae/)[![Toddler sitting on the floor cuddling a doll](/images/content/baby-development-month-by-month-first-year.webp) Baby ### Baby Development Month by Month: What to Expect in the First Year A month-by-month guide to baby development milestones in the first year, what the NHS baby reviews check, and when to seek advice.](/baby/baby-development-month-by-month-first-year/)[Baby ### Newborn Sleep: An Honest Guide to the First 12 Weeks What newborn sleep really looks like in the first 12 weeks — safer-sleep rules, realistic expectations, day-night confusion and what actually helps.](/baby/newborn-sleep-guide-first-12-weeks/)